First-Past-The-Post decision not challenged
First-Past-The-Post decision not challenged
Auckland City Council’s decision to use the First-Past-The-Post (FPP) electoral system for the 2004 triennial general election has not been challenged. No demand for a poll to revoke the decision was received from electors by the deadline of 5.00pm today.
The council in July this year resolved to hold its next triennial general election under the FPP electoral system and a public notice was published in September advising residents and ratepayers of the resolution and their right to demand a poll to revoke the decision.
The chairperson of the council’s Strategy and Governance Committee, Councillor Mark Donnelly, says the council had good reason to choose FPP in preference to NZSTV.
“NZSTV does not necessarily treat all votes equally, and is unlikely to achieve greater proportionality given the number of wards with three or less councillors. The council was also concerned that introducing NZSTV could have an adverse impact on voter participation.”
“The council made the sensible and responsible decision not to adopt a new electoral system, but to first observe the consequences of its introduction on the elections of the District Health Boards and the nine local authorities, out of 86, which decided to introduce NZSTV.”
“I am delighted
that Auckland electors have not prematurely committed the
City to an untested electoral system promoted by the Greens
and the Electoral Reform Coalition purely for
self-gain.”