MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Countdown to Falklands elections

Countdown to Falklands elections

One of the world's smallest democracies, the Falkland Islands, is poised for its first general election for four years. The countdown to polling day on November 22 begins with the dissolution of the present Legislative Council by the Governor, Mr Donald Lamont (on October 11th).Nominations for the eight-member Council open the following week. There is expected to be a spate of nominations by newcomers challenging existing members, most of whom have indicated they will be standing again.The Islanders are robustly democratic and enjoy their elections, making great efforts to get the ballot boxes to scattered communities by Islander aircraft and four-wheel-drive Land Rovers whatever the weather.This will be last election under the existing Constitution, which is to be revised after a review by constitutional experts and comprehensive consultations with Falkland Islanders. They will be deciding on what changes they want in a referendum.

Constitutional changes ahead
There has been much deliberation on a discussion document circulated by the Chairman of the Select Committee on the Constitution, Councillor Mike Summers. Councillor Summers wants the new Constitution to emphasise more strongly the Falkland Islanders' right of self-determination as is their entitlement under the United Nations Charter.He says the aim of the Constitutional reforms is " to take forward the process of democratic government" and as far as possible make "government decision-making open to the public".

There have been complaints that government should be more open than it is with fewer decisions taken in secret. Compared with Argentina and some other countries, the Falkland Islands have good democratic credentials and a reputation for robust, outspoken debate. In such a small community, councillors are easily accessible. Their decisions and debates are discussed by Councillors in public meetings and widely reported by the media.

A strengthened committee system outlined by Chief Executive Dr Michael Blanch, contains a proposal to create a powerful Policy and Resources Committee, which would incorporate several existing committees.

More authority for councillors?
The Constitution provides that executive authority i