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Head of State Referenda Bill to Be Debated
Head of State Referenda Bill to Be Debated in Parliament Tonight
"Tonight, on the Queen's 84th birthday, will be the first time New Zealand's parliament debates our future as a republic. Keith Locke's Head of State Referenda Bill is up for its first reading" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement. The Bill would bring about a referendum on a republic, with three options put before the people of New Zealand: 1) keeping the monarchy; 2) a republic with a head of state nominated by the people of New Zealand and elected by a three-quarters (75%) majority of parliament; or 3) a republic with a head of state nominated by the people of New Zealand and elected by popular vote, using STV.
If none of these options gains a majority, a second run-off referendum will be held between the two most popular options. "This Bill gives New Zealanders a chance to debate the issues around republicanism and take a serious look at the simple, yet important changes needed. The Attorney-General has already raised questions around consistency in the voting process. That is a good reason for the Bill to go to select committee - so that it can be amended" continued Mr Holden. "We urge our politicians to let New Zealanders have a say on the Bill, and for it to go to select committee" concluded Mr Holden. NOTES For more information, see www.republic.org.nz/headofstatebill [5] [1]
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