October 05, 2021
Māori option considered in electoral law overhaul
Justice Minister Kris Faafoi has raised the possibility of allowing Māori to switch electoral rolls in time for the 2023 election.
It’s part of a wider review of electoral law to be conducted over the next two election cycles.
He says as well as targeted changes to support the delivery of, and participation in the 2023 General Election, there will be an independent review of New Zealand’s electoral law.
That independent review will look at:
– voting age and overseas voting
– funding of political parties
– the length of the parliamentary term
– and the Electoral Commission’s recommendations on MMP, including changes to the party vote threshold.
It will not look at
– online voting
– a return to First Past the Post or alternatives to New Zealand’s MMP system
– the future of Māori electorate seats
– nor any fundamental constitutional change such as becoming a republic or having an upper House.
The Government will separately look at changing how people can move between the Māori and general rolls, and new rules for reporting political donations.