23 parties claim election broadcasting share

Twenty-three political parties planning to contest the general election are claiming eligibility to be considered for a share of $3.212 million in broadcast election advertising funds, as well as 102 free minutes available for opening and closing addresses on each of Television New Zealand and National Radio.

The list includes eight parties not yet registered with the Electoral Commission, while five of the 20 parties currently registered did not claim eligibility.

The parties’ claims and their suggestions on how the commission should divide the resources will be considered by the commission at public hearings to be held early next week in Wellington.

The hearings are being held in the Taupo Room, Ministry of Social Development meeting rooms, Level 3, Bowen State Building, Bowen Street from 9.30am-5.00pm, Monday, 21 March and 9.00am-5.00pm, Tuesday, 22 March.

Ends

The list of parties claiming eligibility and the hearing schedule follow. Background information also follows outlining the allocation process and the criteria to which the commission must confine itself in its decision-making.

Copies of parties’ submissions to the commission will be distributed to the press gallery at 8am on Monday, 21 March. Each submission will be embargoed until that party’s scheduled appearance.

The news media may record the hearings with audio-visual equipment.

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