Bob Edlin: Electoral law........

Electoral law: if a spiritual leader’s flock needs protection against politicking in churches, what about marae?

New Zealand prides itself on being a secular society, notwithstanding the prayer said at the beginning of each day in Parliament, references to God in the national anthem and two Christian holidays, Good Friday and Christmas Day, being days when most shops are required to close.

But who knew that election campaigning is prohibited in churches?

Bryce Edwards: Major shakeup of electoral rules could be coming

Get ready for a big debate on how to improve democracy in New Zealand. On Tuesday, Justice Minister Kris Faafoi announced the review panel that will oversee a once-in-a-generation overhaul of electoral rules, including how political parties are funded. The announcement contained details of some significant changes to elections and Parliament to be considered.

The review is welcome news, as there is significant room for improvement in how New Zealand politics works. And the Minister’s reform process looks fairly sensible.

As well as dealing with the crucial issue of money in politics, the new review will consider other highly contentious electoral issues: lowering the voting age, reducing the 5% MMP threshold, abolishing the coat-tailing rule, lengthening the parliamentary term, and increasing the ability to move on and off the Māori electoral roll.

HDPA: Why is Kris Faafoi reviewing the electoral laws in the middle of a pandemic?

 

What the hell is Kris Faafoi doing announcing a review of the country's electoral laws right now? 

We are in the middle of a pandemic. 

Right now Auckland has a Delta outbreak that is probably going to spread through New Zealand in the next few months.

Which means God-only-knows-how-long we’re dealing with restrictions and closed businesses.

Are electoral laws really so pressing that Faafoi needs a comprehensive review of the funding of political parties, the voting age and the length of the parliamentary term?