Abuja — Senators in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Thursday demanded automatic tickets to run for office again in 2011. They tabled it at a meeting with PDP National Chairman, Vincent Ogbulafor, according to a statement issued in Abuja by Paul Mumeh, Chief Press Secretary to Senate President, David Mark.

"Flagging off the request," the statement recounted, "(Mark) on behalf of his colleagues said the continued high turnover of lawmakers at every election does not give room for the growth of the legislature.

"Unlike the executive and the judiciary, the legislature, which is the hallmark of democracy, needs to be sustained with growing experiences of the legislators.

"(Mark) believes that the present crop of Senators has proved to be reliable, competent, and knowledgeable, besides the harmony between them and the executive arm of government."

He stressed that the harmony, peace, and cordiality are ingredients for development, and "we must sustain an experienced and stable legislature, which is the panacea for the sustenance and growth of democracy."

He pledged that the Senate would co-operate with the executive in service delivery; and being "mindful of its independence and legislative duties, we shall not compromise on this."

Ogbulafo commended both the Senate and the executive for their cordial relationship, and said the PDP government has lived up to its billing.

The issue of automatic ticket will be considered in due course, he added.