Charles Chauvel
Labour List MP

17 August 2011

Statement by Charles Chauvel, MP

“Today I learned from the Electoral Commission’s website that they have referred a publication for which I am responsible – the Ohariu census distributed earlier this year – to the police.

“The Commission has formed the view, according to its website, that the publication breaches s204F and s204H of the Electoral Act 1993.

“I do not agree that the publication breaches the Act. As to the Commission’s view that the publication lacks a promoter statement, it is utterly clear from the census that I am its author. The Act does not expressly require the use of the words ‘authorised by’ but there can be no doubt that the publication was authorised by me.

“As to the Commission’s view that the publication should have been authorised in writing by the Party secretary, my view is that it concerns matters local to Ohariu, and that such authorisation is accordingly unnecessary.

“However, I respect the role of the Electoral Commission and its right to reach a different view. Moreover, I have advised the Commission that further publications for which I am responsible will comply with its interpretations of the Act.

“In light of the referral of the publication to the police, it is inappropriate for me to comment further on the matter,” Charles Chauvel said.

ENDS

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