debate during the pre-election phase and may be a thing of the past under the new Government. The PLP issued a plan to amend the Parliamentary Election Act to "adequately address the people's needs''.

In the Throne Speech, Government stated: "While it is commendable that 82 percent of the electorate voted, it is distressing that many eligible voters were unable to participate in the democratic process.

"The expensive and unnecessary system of annual registration will be abolished. A simpler format can, and will, be implemented.'' Shadow Legislative Affairs Minister John Barritt was cautious in his assessment of Government's plan, stating: "We have to meet as a Party and see how it will work -- what shape and form it will take -- before giving final judgment.'' He conceded that the current system was "cumbersome'' and "expensive'', but said annual registration also kept an MP in contact with his or her constituents.