Governor-General should be elected: Republican Movement

"The Governor-General's position should be elected by three-quarters of parliament. The Governor-General's office is often described as a 'de facto' head of state. We believe one step in our path towards a republic is clarifying and democratising the appointment process for the office" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

The Republican Movement will submit to the select committee considering the Governor-General Bill tomorrow that an electoral process be put in place for the office, with a similar dismissal process and a set term in office.

"As the NZ Herald reported this morning, the Prime Minister alone makes a recommendation to the Queen, who must accept his or her advice. This is not an open or transparent process, and their is no clear convention that anyone must be consulted" continued Mr Holden.

The Republican Movement has been collecting names for possible candidates for the position via its website, at www.gov-gen.org.nz. It will hold a run-off vote between the top candidates once 500 names are received.

"If Parliament were to elect the next Governor-General from public nominees, it would bring the office into line with many others, such as the electoral commissioners, ombudsmen and auditor-general" concluded Mr Holden.

ENDS

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