Key features of the reform

Set out below are some key features of the proposals for political reform.
Convert some seats to national seats
Still 24 seats but some seats, maybe 5 to 8 to be converted into “national seats” by combining some of the smaller seats for example, combine Mitiaro with Mauke, combine all the Mangaian seats into one. At the moment 14 seats have less than 477 voters which is the national average. In time maybe 7 of the 10 Rarotongan seats can be converted into national seats with three seats for the three Vakas.
Anyone may contest a national seat
The national seats to be voted on by all the people. Candidates may be put up by special interest groups such as Churches, NGOs, Aronga Mana, or island communities. For example if Mangaia is converted into a national seat, Mangaians can nominate a person to stand for a national seat.
Highest polling national candidate becomes PM
The person who polls the highest in the national seats, to become Prime Minister provided that person wins by 50 per cent of the vote or more. If the winner has less than half the votes then the top two to run off. The Prime Minister to serve three, 3 year terms or two four year terms.
PM picks Cabinet from community
The Prime Minister to select his own Cabinet from able bodied and suitably qualified people in the community. These persons still have to be vetted and approved by parliament. By selecting his Ministers from the community the PM gets to choose the best from a wider pool of people not just the few in his party in parliament. Also it will take the politics out of policy making and Ministers can focus on their jobs and not interfere with the daily operation of the public service.
National seats prevents undue influences
Having the national seats voted on by all the people means MPs cannot be controlled by a small number of people and feel obliged to do favours for them. Under the present system one large family can decide who wins the seat and then it can demand that MP find jobs for family members.