Plenty riding on coming election

The election date has been confirmed for September 19 and that means it’s only about six months until the campaign proper heats up.

All MMP elections are generally close and 2020 will be no different. With Simon Bridges recent decision to rule out working with NZ First that will make it more difficult for them to hold any balance of power after the election. This week’s Reid Research poll suggests it’s neck and neck and the election result will be a real nail biter.

National remains the largest political party in Parliament and with solid voter support and Act’s support growing — anything will happen.

While traditionally elections have been fought on policies around the economy, health, education and law and order, in recent times the world has changed and social media messaging is now to the fore as is a more presidential style of politics with a great focus placed on leaders. After the last few years I reckon voters are more interested in projects and policies being delivered on rather than soundbites and platitudes.

This election could get sidetracked with referendum campaigns focused on social issues like whether to legalise the personal use of cannabis which seems to be supported by Labour and the Greens. The other issue is whether to legalise voluntary euthanasia for those with a terminal illness and less than six months left to live, if approved by two doctors. This issue almost split Parliament votes down the middle and the buck has now been passed to voters to decide at the ballot box in September.

Even though I’m stepping down I look forward to doing all I can to get National’s Tim Costley well known and elected as the next MP for O¯ taki. He’s working hard turning up to community events like the successful Medieval Market and Kite Festival last weekend. He’s also got a team pounding the streets door knocking introducing himself and getting a real feel for local issues on the doorstep.

Parliament sits for the last time on August 6 and you can expect to hear a lot from candidates and politicians leading up to the general election. There’s plenty riding on this election.