I followed with great interest the recent elections in our neighbouring state. Brunei had her own elections in the 60s.Will we have elections in the future?
The answer is a resounding "Yes, but not yet".
The Constitution provides that the Legislative Council shall consist of not more than 45 members. Up to 30 members will be appointed by His Majesty comprising of ex-officio members, titled persons, community leaders and distinguished personages. The Council will have in addition up to 15 representatives, from Brunei and Muara District (up to 7 members), Belait District (up to 3), Tutong District (up to 3) and Temburong District (up to 2) "who shall be elected in accordance with the laws relating to elections in force in Brunei Darussalam".
The laws relating to elections are not yet in force. Until this is done, under the Constitution, Penghulus, Ketua Kampong and Ketua Rumah Panjang are to select from amongst themselves candidates for appointment by His Majesty as District Representatives.There are at present 4 District Representatives (one from each district) selected in this manner. Despite the small number, the district representatives are often the most vocal during the debates. Kudos to them!
Although elections for Ketua Kampongs are usually greeted with apathy with generally low voter turnout, such elections do in some way allow the public to have a say (though indirectly) in Leg Co as the village leaders will get to choose their representatives in the Council.
I certainly look forward to the time when we have direct elections to choose district representatives. A blogger or two in the Leg Co will certainly liven things up!
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