Electoral Gagging

The Electoral & Finance Select Committee will be releasing its recommendations concerning the Electoral Finance Bill tomorrow.

Grey Power National President, Mr Graham Stairmand today stated "It is our fervent hope that they will have taken due notice of the submissions made by the Human Rights Commission and the New Zealand Law Society, in that they recommend the Bill be withdrawn and more public consultation sought. However, we feel the Government seems determined to continue with the Bill, which essentially removes the right of free speech and comment for the election period, now extended from the current 3 months prior to any election, to the period from 1st January through to the election in any election year."

"Organisations such as Grey Power, established to promote the well being of the elderly, will be severely disadvantaged by this legislation if it is passed in its present form and we ask that the minor parties consider very carefully their support for this Bill which we believe should be unconditionally withdrawn."

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