Move for 5 regions with female rep

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
THE Government is proposing to split the country into five regions and have a female representative from each as it looks at including women in Parliament.
Prime Minister James Marape said this when he stated that Southern could be split into two regions.
“New Guinea Islands, Highlands and Mamose would remain, Southern would be split into two regions,” he said.
“The regional seats would be contested by women only.”
However, Marape stated he had MPs in Parliament questioning whether the women would have their own funding through district and provincial services improvement programmes or a regional fund.
“Being a member of parliament is not about service delivery only but about being legislators and policy makers, the five women would be part of a legislative assembly in Parliament,” he said.
“That is the proposal we are discussing.”
Marape said all political parties “should have women candidates”.
He said work would need to be done to ensure the change was fair and equitable for all stakeholders.
“The environment will be fair on everyone, but, we just want to make sure the entire local dynamics is done properly,” he said.
“Keep your parties involved, I want you all engaged, your recommendations to us are very important.
“This forum is important because it will be given to the national government and that we are aware of what is happening.”