24 March 2016
National Not in Touch with the Majority
The results are in on the flag referendum, and the Conservative Party is pleased to see that so many people have
participated, and that Government has, in this case, accepted that the will of the people is binding. We have no reason
to fear binding referenda. It is democracy in practice.
This has shown us just how out of touch National is when it comes to knowing exactly what the majority want. Simple
polling and common sense should have led to one referendum being held at the time of a general or local body election
with minimal cost.
The Conservative Party is also concerned over the ability of Parliament to listen to what the majority want, unless of
course it is election year.
"Take the referendum opposing the anti-smacking law for example," says Leighton Baker, Conservative Party Spokesman.
"87% of voters said NO to the law change, and National ignored them. There are many other examples of the majority being
ignored, and the Conservative Party wants this changed by implementing binding referenda on major issues that affect New
Zealanders, whether initiated by Government, or by New Zealand citizens."
The Conservative Party holds the view that Members of Parliament should be exactly what they are elected to be, servants
to, and representatives of the people.
"To ignore the people is not OK, the majority vote does matter, and the Conservative Party is the Party for the
majority," concludes Mr Baker.
ENDS