A newly empowered Boundaries Commission should be constituted by the end of the year - before the departure of Governor Thorold Masefield.

Mr. Masefield took over from former Governor Lord Waddington in 1997, with the expectation that he would serve a three year term. But his departure has been postponed several times.

Yesterday, Deputy Governor Tim Gurney said it might be a few more months yet.

"The Governor will leave later this year and there is no news yet on the new appointment," said Mr. Gurney.

Among the Governor's last official acts would be the appointment of the Boundaries Commission.

The six-member Boundaries Commission must be put together by summer of next year. Two members each are to be chosen by the Progressive Labour Party and the Opposition United Bermuda Party. The Governor appoints its chair and a judicial member.

Mr. Gurney said the Governor was working hard at identifying the two independent members.

"I think he would like to get the details of the Boundaries Commission tied up before he goes," he said.

Under new powers which came into effect on August 21, by way of an Order in Council amending the Constitution, the Boundaries Commission will be tasked with recommending the boundaries of, and number of constituencies in a revamped single seat electoral system.