A panel reviewing New Zealand’s electoral system has published a set of recommendations that some politicians have said will set the stage for the country to have a permanently undemocratic government.
The draft report (pdf), released on June 6, proposed major changes to modernise electoral processes and create a “fairer, clearer, and more accessible” voting system.
The major recommendations include: Lowering the voting age for general elections to 16.
Allow all prisoners and New Zealanders who live overseas long-term to vote.
Lower party vote threshold from five to 3.5 percent. (Under New Zealand’s mixed-member proportional system, a party requires at least five percent of the vote to be represented in Parliament.)
Hold a referendum to extend the Parliamentary term from three to four years.
Change the Electoral Act to explicitly give effect to the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles, and make the Treaty a statutory objective of the Electoral Commission.
Cap political donations to $30,000 (US$18,000) and restrict donations to registered voters only. Prohibit all entities, including unions, trusts, and companies, from providing political funding. The New Zealand Green Party has welcomed the draft report and called on parties from across the political spectrum to commit to implementing its recommendations….