The Government has introduced a bill to Parliament which will enact changes to the way elections are run, putting in place the reforms it announced in February.Justice Minister Simon Power said political parties had been consulted and there was a broad co
The Government has introduced a bill to Parliament which will enact changes to the way elections are run, putting in place the reforms it announced in February.
Justice Minister Simon Power said political parties had been consulted and there was a broad consensus around the bill's provisions.
"I'm confident this bill will establish a regime that is fair and transparent to all groups and individuals participating in this vital element of New Zealand's democracy," Mr Power said.
"Our aim is to have the bill enacted by December this year so the public and political parties can be familiar with the changes before the 2011 general election."
The Green Party repeated the concerns it raised when the reforms were announced, saying there was no limit on spending by third parties -- organisations which are not political parties.
"If New Zealand doesn't limit campaign election spending we could end up like the US where the elections are awash with money and lobby groups can buy influence," said co-leader Metiria Turei.
The bill covers election advertising, the campaign period, campaign spending limits for political parties, donations and advance voting.
