Prudent to go with four seats than 22

THE deferred 22 reserved seats bill lacks economic rationale.
It is driven by populism and lack economic credential on its entire contribution to the country’s economy.
I find it uneconomical on these grounds:
* It will cost taxpayers a substantial amount of money although Dame Carol Kidu said the total salary was small and affordable (The National, Nov 23); 
* 22 offices to accommodate the 22 people;
* Staff for each of the 22 people;
* Entitlements; 
* Discretionary funds; and
* Cost of political instability.
As they do not represent any party, they will greatly impact the voting of prime minister.
They may vote in a party that does not represent the voice of the people.
n other words, the party that has the highest number of MPs winning an election will not automatically have the right to form a government.
The party must firstly muster a required number by negotiating with the 22 women representatives to get their support.
If the 22 women do not support that party, they could, in theory, support a minority party to form government.
This may result in prolonging the formation of government after elections which will prove costly.
Dame Carol has failed to explain how the 22 seats will add in terms of national economic building.
She only based her arguments on the constitution (which has a broad definition on gender representation) and UN MDG on gender equality.
Economic benefits of the 22 seats would substantiate the return on taxpayers’ money because at the end of the day, they cannot continue to pay for the 22 seat holders.
Furthermore, awareness and support for the bill were driven in an undemocratic manner as women representatives from other provinces converged in NCD and fronted at parliament forcing MPs to vote.
Some of them even made threats.
Unfortunately, they failed to understand that this is a policy issue and has to be deliberated by MPs.
MPs cannot make decision under prevailing circumstances or through intimidation.
Likewise, a petition containing the signatures of Miss South Pacific contestants undermined our sovereignty.
Comparably, US secretary of state Hillary Clinton did not sign a petition simply because she respects our sovereignty.
Alternatively, I suggest they should review the bill and push for four regional seats instead of 22, which is an economic viable option.
There is ample time for them to review the bill and it will surely gain significant support from the MPs if they adopt this.

AK Teu
Via email