Internet Party boss may have to Skype voters from Moscow
Kim Dotcom’s political venture, the Internet Party, has a new leader. But she may not be in New Zealand for the election — given she is living in self- imposed exile in Moscow.
Activist and citizen journalist Suzie Dawson has been seeking temporary asylum in Russia since late last year.
Dawson claims she was severely harassed and her family threatened by the Government after reporting on the GCSB’s spying on New Zealanders, including Dotcom.
The 36- year- old, who has been involved in the Occupy New Zealand movement, has also been an outspoken supporter of Wikileaks and whistleblowers Julian Assange and Edward Snowden.
She told the Weekend Herald it came as a “huge surprise” when asked in January to consider the leadership position during a general election year.
“I had never considered entering politics. But the more I examined the idea, the clearer the synergies were.”
She said her IT management experience, media skills, and “first- person insight into politics and activism” meant she had the qualifications required.
“What finally sealed the deal for me was listening to what Laila Harre said in her first speech as Internet Party leader. She said, ‘ If me standing here inspires younger people, especially women, to back themselves and their beliefs, then that will be my reward’.”
When asked about the young, but wellpublicised history of the Internet Party and its campaign during the 2014 election alongside the Mana Party she said, “It took a huge amount of political courage.
“Had it worked and Internet Mana entered parliament, the same commentariat who were derisive of the pairing would have had to cheer it as a brilliant strategic move.
“While optimism i s awesome, I think expectations were set too high in 201 . . . and that this is a long game not a fast one.”
But given her current status seeking temporary asylum in Moscow, it was unclear if she would be in the country during the election campaign. “Exile is not a choice and although I seldom talk about the price that I have paid it has been incredibly high and not just paid by me.”
Dotcom, the party’s founder, resigned from the executive committee in February and has not been a member of either the policy or campaign committees, she said.