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Heather Mackay
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Submitted on 23/02/2012 - 1:30pm relating to the issues Basis for eligibility for list seats (thresholds), Dual Candidacy, Order of candidates on the list
Should the 5% threshold be kept or changed? Why? If you recommend change, what should it be and why?:
Yes, absolutely the 5% should be maintained
Should the one electorate seat threshold be kept or changed? Why? If you recommend change, what should it be and why?:
Gaining an electoral seat should not lead to any more than the one candidate being elected. 5% threshold must be rigidly adhered to... I believe the original doc from the Royal Commission stated this
Should there be a different combination of thresholds? What should they be and why?:
No. Keep it simple so that skulduggery can't be pursued as has been done in the past, the worse case of underhanded skulduggery of course was at the last election in the Epsom electorate. It seems that the National Party constantly plays fast and loose with the intention and principles of MMP
Should dual candidacy be kept? If so, why?:
Yes, dual candidacy should be kept. I can see no problem with candidates being on their Party List and also standing in an electorate. It is all very transparent, the Party Lists are all available for viewing prior to an election
In an election, should voters be able to alter the order of candidates from the list order decided by political parties?:
I see no reason why we, the Joe and Mary Blogs, should be able to change the order of candidates on the respective Party Lists. As far as the Labour, Greens and Maori Party Lists are concerned I believe members are consulted before the lists are finalised.
What should happen when a party wins more electorate seats than it would be entitled to under its share of the party vote?:
Hmmm... this would indeed be a problem should it ever arise. I have no solution but to remind the 'powers that be' that NZers are pretty well united in thinking we already have too many of the blighters in Parliament already without increasing their numbers!!!