THE head of the Corporation of Hamilton's legislative committee has indicated that businesses may soon be ineligible to vote in City elections, bringing Bermuda's capital in line with the rest of the developed world.

Corporation councillor Kathryn Gibbons told the Mid-Ocean News that she "would never rule out" a 'one-man, one-vote' system for City of Hamilton elections ¿ adding, however, that a final decision would be the Government's prerogative.

Mrs. Gibbons' latest comments come after the Corporation's recommendation that Government extend the franchise, allowing all those resident in the capital and on the parliamentary register to be given a vote.

Currently, there are just 75 Hamilton residents registered to vote in City elections, versus 725 Hamilton residents registered to vote in general elections. Of the 406 people now registered, 331 are classed as business voters, making Hamilton the only city in the world allowing businesses a say in municipal elections.

While Mrs. Gibbons would not rule out rescinding the business vote altogether, she noted that this latest review of the Municipalities Act was aimed at increasing rather than reducing the number of registered voters.

"It is a process of evolution over many years," she said.

"As we go forward we will see continued changes to voting rights in the City of Hamilton. I think there is no question that the intention was to expand the franchise.

"There is no intention at this time to reduce the franchise.

"We want to include people ordinarily resident within City boundaries that are also registered to vote for the general election."

"It is true to the best of my knowledge that the City of Hamilton could very possibly be the only municipality that allows businesses to vote in a Western democracy. If there is another one out there, I can't find it. Our focus at this point in time is to expand, not retract, the franchise."

Mrs. Gibbons added that residents of the North Hamilton area in particular have been disenfranchised due to antiquated legislation linking eligibility to vote to property ownership and taxation.

"This will be complete coverage, so that no one is left out," she said, noting that the Corporations proposals are "merely recommendations" that will now be reviewed by Parliament, Cabinet and the Attorney General.

While Mrs. Gibbons indicated the business vote could disappear altogether before long, her former Corporation colleague believes this latest review will do little to enfranchise City residents.

Former councillor Graeme Outerbridge congratulated Mrs. Gibbons on her work to ensure voting is inclusive, but called the Corporation itself "a wall" against change.

"As an ex-City member I would encourage Government to make this process fair and open," he said.

"This system protects members, creates an atmosphere of misinformation or lack of information, and is a fertile ground for corrupt practices.

"We don't need any more games; this is 2008. I wouldn't want to see the Corporation become a quango. We want to see an elected body representing the people."

Mr. Outerbridge with Mrs. Gibbons' assertion that the current voting system has been detrimental to North Hamilton residents in particular.

"That group has been so alientated," he said.

"The North Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone should do something, not City Hall. We've been talking about it for years. It is 2008. It's pathetic."

Mr. Outerbridge called on Parliament to amend the law, arguing that without a vote in the City, Hamilton residents were subject to "taxation without representation".

However, he believes the electroral system in Hamilton will not be truly fair and equal as long as businesses can vote.

'This is not a universal suffrage process," he said.

"They're empowering more people, but it is not 'one man, one vote'."