Waka jumping bill

I hope the Government will not proceed with the so called “Waka jumping” legislation.

This proposed amendment to the electoral law is designed to entrench party power over the freedom of individual conscience and freedom of speech and is therefore profoundly undemocratic.

The amendment has been falsely named the “Electoral Integrity Amendment Bill” by the Government. It should be called the “Entrenching Party Power Amendment Bill”, which is more accurate.

It is, whether conscious or not, an attack against the very foundation of democracy — namely the dignity and freedom of each person; their freedom of conscience; their freedom of speech.

It is a blatant attempt to stifle dissent within the Government by controlling MPs with the threat of the sack if they disagree with Government and want to become independent or change party.

The real purpose of the amendment is to make sure this Labour-led coalition Government, along with NZ First and the Greens (who loudly.proclaim their commitment to democratic values), keeps its majority in Parliament.

The bill has already passed its first reading and is now being considered by a parliamentary committee. Several academics have spoken out against it, as has (predictably) the National Party.

I hope this anti-democratic legislation is dropped by the Government at their earliest convenience.

Genevieve Forde, Whangaparoa.