The independent Electoral Review panel has just released its interim report which is available for consultation until 17 July 2023. We strongly encourage our members and supporters to give feedback to the panel on any recommendation in the report. See https://electoralreview.govt.nz/assets/PDF/IER-Interim-Report.pdf
There are over 100 recommendations across the wide remit of the panel’s review. We made written and oral representations to the panel and it is good to see some of our research and recommendations. These include further transparency and restrictions on donations to political parties, particularly anonymous and business donations; expanding the definition of donation; increasing the frequently of disclosing donations and loans in an election year; excluding overseas donations funding for third party electoral advertising; increasing the powers of the Electoral Commission to investigate and refer breaches; and increasing the capacity to reduce the publishing of false information to influence voters.
The premises that underpin our opinions, advocacy and activity in this area are that:
• Political and electoral Integrity are essential pillars of a national integrity system.
• Public trust in politicians can be expected to shift, but persistent trust in the electoral process is a necessary contributor to engagement of citizens in democracy.
• The votes of individuals need to count – they should not be undermined by bias due to private financial or other forms of power influence.
• New Zealand democracy is enhanced by specific Māori representation and by diversity in representation.
• A stable democracy has better potential to protect and enable citizen political and civil rights and the rule of law.
• Foreign and global influences and disinformation can undermine local democracy. Civics education assists people to make informed choices at the ballot box.
• People will vote when they believe their vote will have impact, when they feel connected to the issues and representatives, and when they have relevant and simple access to voting
