14 October 2004

Democracy Jeopardised By Denial

New Zealand First is disappointed but not surprised that the problems with the local body election counting systems are not being given debating time in the House.

“The Minister of Local Government has spent the last two days dodging bullets from the opposition about his failure to be accountable for the shambolic introduction to STV voting,” said local government spokesperson Jim Peters.

“It is unfortunate that calls for a debate on this issue were denied.

“With voter participation at an all time low, and voter apathy at an all time high, it’s difficult to see why the opportunity wasn’t taken to demonstrate democracy in action with a healthy debate.

“What point is there in voting if your vote gets lost in the system and goes uncounted?
”And where does the buck stop if it doesn’t stop with the Minister?

“It’s to be hoped that more robust efforts are made to ensure transparency and accountability at the next general election,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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