(Manitoba Legislative Building image via Shutterstock)
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is proposing legislation to fill empty seats in the legislature more quickly.
The legislation would make it mandatory to hold a byelection within 180 days of a vacancy in a riding.
“The right to vote in free and fair elections is the engine of our democracy,” said Justice Minister Heather Stefanson. “This bill will ensure that every Manitoban is able to select a representative to be their voice in the Manitoba legislature within a reasonable timeframe.”
Under current legislation, a byelection is only required to be to held within one year of a vacancy.
Stefanson pointed out Morris and The Pas, where constituents were left without representation in the legislature for 350 and 341 days, respectively.
— Staff
