Monday 13th Dec 1999
Richard Prebble
Media Release -- Other

ACT Leader Richard Prebble said today he was disturbed to learn that the National candidate for Tauranga, Katherine O'Regan, has stated that she has no intention of applying for a recount in Tauranga.

"Last week Katherine O'Regan was raising concerns about the poll and today these concerns have apparently vanished. What's changed? The only reason can be that if she is declared the winner of the Tauranga poll, then the benefit will be Labour's. No doubt this is the real reason why Margaret Wilson, the Labour candidate, has applied for a recount," Mr Prebble said.

"What has happened to the concern expressed by Helen Clark and by Jenny Shipley over the integrity of our voting system? Last week both our Prime Minister and ex Prime Minister were expressing shock and horror at votes being declared missing in both Rangitikei and Mangere. This week neither woman appears to be concerned. Last week they said it made us a third world country, with the kind of outcomes you would see in Pakistan. This week apparently there's nothing to worry about.

"I am taking the issue to the ACT caucus tomorrow. I believe it's simply not good enough for the Chief Electoral Officer to say he's handed the matter to the police. I certainly know from experience that having a Parliamentary select committee look into the matter in 6 months' time will not be of assistance.

"If Labour and National believe their own words regarding the integrity of the vote, then they should ask for recounts in both Rangitikei and Mangere as well as Tauranga."

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

© Scoop Media