Candidate Numbers Are Above 1998 Nominations For Manukau

Despite fears that the number of candidates standing on the 2001 Local Government Elections was too low to have any meaning the numbers swelled in the three days before the close of nominations.

“History has shown us that many people leave the depositing of their nomination forms until the last few days so we were not unduly concerned earlier in the week despite comments in the media” said Tony Spelman, Manukau City’s Electoral Officer.

Overall the number of nominations for Local government Elections 2001 has increased by 19 to 239 from the number received for the 1998 election.

The number of people standing for positions on the Counties Manukau District Health Board buoys the number of candidates for all positions. If the number of candidates nominated for the DHB elections, 57 nominations, are separated from the rest of the Local Government election nominees there is a 22% drop compared with the 1998 elections.

“Most electors will still have a wide choice as to who they wish to represent them at all levels of local government,” said Mr Spelman. “I am sure the number of candidates will provide electors with a wide range of philosophical standpoints to choose from”.

Voting papers are now being prepared by the Electoral Office for distribution to the city’s 178,000 voters in time for the voting period starting 24 September.

“Any election depends on the participation on all those eligible to vote. The new Electoral Act has provided a larger timeframe in the hope of attracting greater levels of participation and we will certainly doing our bit to encourage Manukau voters to exercise their rights and voice their choice” Mr Spelman said.

“Manukau voters should take this opportunity to make sure their vote counts because its their city”.

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