21 October 2004

Democracy Will Rule In Parliament

New Zealand First deputy leader Peter Brown is calling for the Standing Orders Committee to make an amendment to Parliamentary processes when split voting occurs.

“The practice of split voting has become more common under MMP, but there is nothing in the Standing Orders that addresses how the practice should be addressed,” Mr Brown said.

“It has emerged that some parties are not prepared to willingly divulge which members of the respective parties voted for, against or abstained. The practice allows MPs the luxury of a secret ballot.

“New Zealand First will not stand by and let this practice continue, and I have raised the issue in the House. I have also written to the Standing Orders committee asking them to make an amendment to Standing Orders that will make it compulsory for each party whip to table with the Clerk the names of its members who voted for, against or abstained.

“Open democracy will rule in Parliament. New Zealand First will fix it,” Mr Brown concluded.

ENDS

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