Respect the election process, says Helen Clark
Former prime minister Helen Clark has told Kiwis to respect the viewpoints of others, even if the election outcome isn’t what they hoped for.
‘‘The people have spoken, and the result must be respected,’’ Clark said on social media, following the weekend’s election. ‘‘Some will be elated; others won’t.’’
It was now time for the political parties to talk – ‘‘that’s MMP in action. Stay tuned!’’
Clark said it was also important to respect other people.
‘‘There has been a lot of nasty stuff – including on this [social media] page. Elections can bring out the worst in some people ...
‘‘Feelings run high at such a time; but respect for each others’ views is important.’’
Clark said ‘‘those who want a different future need to work on persuading more to support that’’.
Politics was about the ‘‘power of persistence’’, and there was a collective responsibility for the result.
When asked whether she would return to the Labour Party to help, she said it was up to the next generation to step up.
Clark said new Labour leader Jacinda Ardern ran a strong campaign and should ‘‘stick at it’’, even if the election result wasn’t exactly what she had intended.
The former prime minister has experience in coalition talks, including during 1996 when she was unable to form a government with Winston Peters’ NZ First, after nine weeks of discussions.
‘‘As in 1996, Labour must endeavour to negotiate to form a government.’’
However, Clark would not speculate as to how the negotiations would play out, only adding that she was ‘‘very familiar with what goes on’’.
She did say she did not expect negotiations to take nine weeks like they had back in 1996. Labour was still in the running to forming a government, and no matter what the outcome, there would be a strong Opposition.
‘‘At the least, the election has delivered a strong Opposition – whichever way government formation goes. That’s a good thing in itself.’’
Clark, who posted to social media ahead of September 23 reminding people to enrol and vote, said voter turnout was still an issue.
‘‘Estimates now are at 78.8 per cent turnout of those enrolled — but how many were not enrolled .... Sad that, in an election where choices were so clear, more people didn’t participate.’’
A grand coalition – where the two major parties formed a government – wouldn’t work for New Zealand, Clark said. ‘‘Both major parties have a large vote and each is a viable contender to form a government.’’
Clark wasn’t in New Zealand for the election. Instead, she was watching the action from New York.