What do you call an election where the regime stops up to half a million people from voting, because they're more likely on historical trends to vote for the opposition? Rigged. And Labour's Willie Jackson isn't afraid to say it:
Labour MP Willie Jackson has accused the government of trying to rig next year's election through its move to block people from being able to enrol for 12 days before voting day."Risks"? I'd say they are. Its well-known that the special votes tend left, and last election they cost National two seats and an easy coalition with ACT, forcing it into the arms of NZ First. Recent polling shows a tight election, with just a seat or two between the left and the right. National's voter suppression is easily enough to do that, and ensure they are returned to power.[...]
In a fiery speech on Wednesday, Jackson poured contempt on the "disgraceful, rotten, useless government", accusing it of actively suppressing the vote and "vandalising democratic participation".
He pointed to official advice which noted that young people, Māori, Pasifika and Asian communities would be disproportionately affected by the changes.
"It's racist disenfranchisement," Jackson said. "It's a breach of democracy... this government risks being accused of rigging the next election."
This change is contrary to the recommendations of the Ministry of Justice. It violates the right to vote. It is discriminatory. It is being done for partisan advantage, under the guise of "efficiency". Any election conducted under it will not be free or fair, and a government "elected" under it will not be legitimate.
Public faith in free and fair elections is absolutely foundational to democracy, and to the legitimacy of the state. National's voter suppression moves put that at risk. It cannot be allowed to stand.
