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Canada News.Net
a day ago
- Politics
- Canada News.Net
Critics slam New Zealand's proposed voting restrictions
WELLINGTON, New Zealand: On July 29, the New Zealand government introduced a controversial bill that would restrict voting access by ending same-day voter registration and revoking voting rights for all prisoners — changes that critics warn could suppress democratic participation. The bill, which passed its first of three readings in Parliament, proposes several amendments to the country's electoral laws. Under the new rules, citizens would be required to enroll to vote at least 13 days before an election, ending the current practice that allows enrollment up to and on election day. In addition, the bill would reinstate a blanket ban on voting for all incarcerated individuals and require polling to begin 12 days before the official election day — a move the government says will streamline logistics and election result timelines. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, who introduced the legislation, described the reforms as a necessary update to what he called "outdated and unsustainable" electoral processes. He argued that the changes would improve efficiency, reduce costs, and speed up vote counting. "This bill overhauls a number of outdated and unsustainable electoral laws," Goldsmith said. "The amendments will strengthen the system, helping to deliver timely election results, manage the costs, clarify rules, and provide more efficient services to voters." However, the bill has drawn significant criticism, including from Attorney General Judith Collins, a member of the ruling National Party. In a report released last week, Collins warned that parts of the legislation may violate the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, specifically the rights to freedom of expression and the right to vote. "The bill appears to be inconsistent with the rights affirmed in the Bill of Rights," Collins noted in her report. She also highlighted that during the 2023 general election, over 97,000 people registered to vote during the voting period, many for the first time. Another 134,000 changed electoral districts while voting was underway. "These figures give a sense of the number of citizens who may be disenfranchised by the proposed cut-off," she said. The government says the legislation is in part a response to delays following the 2023 general election. The final result took nearly three weeks to certify due to the large number of "special votes." These include ballots cast by citizens overseas, those voting outside their registered district, or first-time voters who enrolled during the election period. Officials argue that by limiting eligibility and ending voter registration earlier, the process will become more manageable and faster. Members of the opposition Labour Party condemned the bill as regressive. Duncan Webb, a Labour MP, criticized the move as antidemocratic and exclusionary. "This is a dark day for democracy," Webb said during the debate. "Politicians should be making it easier for people to vote, not harder. That's how we make sure everybody's voice is heard." If passed, the bill would significantly reshape how New Zealanders vote, mainly affecting marginalized groups such as prisoners and last-minute registrants, raising fundamental questions about access and equity in one of the world's most established democracies.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Illegal ID checks at SA hospitals spark political outcry and government crackdown
Human rights groups and officials condemn the march in march vigilante group for illegally checking IDs at a public hospital, blocking access to essential care for immigrants and violating South Africa's Constitution. Image: March and March/Facebook But while she cites constitutional rights to protest, the group's actions fly in the face of another part of the Constitution - Section 27, which guarantees healthcare access to everyone in South Africa, regardless of immigration status. And the Bill of Rights explicitly protects freedom of movement. Critics say what's happening at Addington is dangerously reminiscent of apartheid-era pass laws. Legal experts and government officials say that it is not only illegal and discriminatory, but a threat to public safety. Among those affected is Christian Tchizungu Kwigomba, a Congolese father and long-time Durban resident. After the birth of his twins at Addington, he returned for a vital follow-up appointment only to be stopped at the gate by the group. He says he was shoved while holding one of his newborns. 'I faced something that no human being should experience,' Kwigomba said. 'Even pregnant women are being turned away. It's a matter of life or death.' Kwigomba, who is diabetic and relies on medication, says he cannot afford private care. 'We are just waiting to die,' he said. 'They should remember the spirit of Ubuntu and stop kicking people out.' The Department of Health has condemned the movement's actions. Spokesperson Foster Mohale called on protesters to raise concerns 'within the confines of the law,' warning that the protests endanger lives and violate the Constitution and National Health Act. 'There's a difference between being concerned and taking the law into your own hands,' Mohale said. 'Everyone has the right to emergency and primary care.' Security plans are now in place to prevent further intimidation. Police and public order units have been deployed to protect health workers and patients. The government has emphasised a zero-tolerance policy toward any group or individual attempting to block access to public health facilities. Meanwhile, rights groups, including the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and Section 27 are monitoring the situation. IOL News
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
New Zealand moves to end same-day registration, ban prisoner voting; attorney general warns of rights impact
WELLINGTON, July 29 — The New Zealand government today introduced a law that will prevent people from enrolling to vote on election day and bar prisoners from casting their ballot while in jail, in a move critics say could reduce voter participation. The proposed law, which passed its first of three readings in parliament on Tuesday, will allow people to enrol to vote only up to 13 days before an election. Currently potential voters can enrol up to and on election day. The law will also ban all prisoners from voting and require voting to open 12 days ahead of the official election day. 'This bill overhauls a number of outdated and unsustainable electoral laws. The package of amendments will strengthen the system, helping to deliver timely election results, manage the costs, clarify rules and provide more efficient services to voters,' said Minister of Justice Paul Goldsmith, who proposed the bill. However, a report by Attorney General Judith Collins concluded that the bill 'appears to be inconsistent' with the country's Bill of Rights, including the right to freedom of expression and the right to vote. The changes are, in part, prompted by delays in results at the 2023 election, when it took nearly three weeks before an official result was released due to the high number of special votes. Special votes are cast by New Zealanders living or travelling overseas, voting outside their constituency or newly enrolled. The Attorney General's report, which was released publicly on Friday, said in the last election special votes included over 97,000 people who registered for the first time during the voting period, and nearly 134,000 people who changed electoral districts during the voting period. 'This gives some indication of the number of people who may be affected,' said Collins, who is a member of the ruling party. Duncan Webb, a lawmaker from the opposition Labour Party opposing the bill, on Tuesday called it 'a dark day for democracy'. 'Politicians should be making it easier for people to vote, not harder. It's how we make sure that everybody's voice is heard, that everyone gets a say,' he said. — Reuters
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
New Zealand introduces law that make it harder to vote
New Zealand's government has introduced a controversial law impacting voter access. The legislation, already through its first parliamentary reading, will end election day voter enrollment and prohibit prisoners from voting. Critics argue these changes, prompted by delays in the 2023 election results, will suppress voter participation, while the Attorney General raises concerns about inconsistencies with the Bill of Rights. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The New Zealand government on Tuesday introduced a law that will prevent people from enrolling to vote on election day and bar prisoners from casting their ballot while in jail, in a move critics say could reduce voter proposed law , which passed its first of three readings in parliament on Tuesday, will allow people to enrol to vote only up to 13 days before an election. Currently potential voters can enrol up to and on election law will also ban all prisoners from voting and require voting to open 12 days ahead of the official election day."This bill overhauls a number of outdated and unsustainable electoral laws. The package of amendments will strengthen the system, helping to deliver timely election results, manage the costs, clarify rules and provide more efficient services to voters," said Minister of Justice Paul Goldsmith , who proposed the a report by Attorney General Judith Collins concluded that the bill "appears to be inconsistent" with the country's Bill of Rights , including the right to freedom of expression and the right to changes are, in part, prompted by delays in results at the 2023 election , when it took nearly three weeks before an official result was released due to the high number of special votes are cast by New Zealanders living or travelling overseas, voting outside their constituency or newly Attorney General's report , which was released publicly on Friday, said in the last election special votes included over 97,000 people who registered for the first time during the voting period, and nearly 134,000 people who changed electoral districts during the voting period."This gives some indication of the number of people who may be affected," said Collins, who is a member of the ruling Webb, a lawmaker from the opposition Labour Party opposing the bill, on Tuesday called it "a dark day for democracy"."Politicians should be making it easier for people to vote, not harder. It's how we make sure that everybody's voice is heard, that everyone gets a say," he said.
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
New Zealand introduces law that makes it harder to vote
WELLINGTON (Reuters) -The New Zealand government on Tuesday introduced a law that will prevent people from enrolling to vote on election day and bar prisoners from casting their ballot while in jail, in a move critics say could reduce voter participation. The proposed law, which passed its first of three readings in parliament on Tuesday, will allow people to enrol to vote only up to 13 days before an election. Currently potential voters can enrol up to and on election day. The law will also ban all prisoners from voting and require voting to open 12 days ahead of the official election day. 'This bill overhauls a number of outdated and unsustainable electoral laws. The package of amendments will strengthen the system, helping to deliver timely election results, manage the costs, clarify rules and provide more efficient services to voters," said Minister of Justice Paul Goldsmith, who proposed the bill. However, a report by Attorney General Judith Collins concluded that the bill 'appears to be inconsistent' with the country's Bill of Rights, including the right to freedom of expression and the right to vote. The changes are, in part, prompted by delays in results at the 2023 election, when it took nearly three weeks before an official result was released due to the high number of special votes. Special votes are cast by New Zealanders living or travelling overseas, voting outside their constituency or newly enrolled. The Attorney General's report, which was released publicly on Friday, said in the last election special votes included over 97,000 people who registered for the first time during the voting period, and nearly 134,000 people who changed electoral districts during the voting period. 'This gives some indication of the number of people who may be affected,' said Collins, who is a member of the ruling party. Duncan Webb, a lawmaker from the opposition Labour Party opposing the bill, on Tuesday called it "a dark day for democracy". "Politicians should be making it easier for people to vote, not harder. It's how we make sure that everybody's voice is heard, that everyone gets a say,' he said. (Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
