Elections 2017 .

I will contest the Tauranga seat as an independent in September's General Election 2017.

To give a voice to the many voters who don't exercise their right, and those disillusioned with the MMP system.

Many are disillusioned with MMP which we were told would be better for us.

But in reality MMP is more for the political parties, their power and their representatives and not about us at all.

MMP puts the parties first, the country second and the people last.

Many eligible voters are disillusioned saying : ‘What's the point?' My vote doesn't count, it doesn't change anything,” and don't vote.

You may vote for a candidate or party for their policies. But after election night it all changes and those policies are watered down and another party – who you didn't vote for, whose candidates, policies and philosophies you dislike – get incorporated into your party of choice.

We now have a situation where the three major party leaders – National, Labour and Greens – are all list MPs put in by the parties and not the voters. “So they don't even have the confidence of the electorate. Another good reason why people are fed up.

I encouraging people to vote, but there should be a vote of no confidence option on the ballet paper, for those who are disillusioned with the system.

There also needs to be a electronic voting option, making it easier for more people to vote.

With MMP you can't rid yourself of an MP if the party not you, choose to keep he or she comfortably within the margin of safety on their party list.

We need a better political systems, that encourages voter confidence, that is more voter empowering and less party orientated, Political systems like Legislative Referendums as in Switzerland, Single Transferable Vote (STV). or we could simply tweak the present MMP system in order to reduce list MPs and insure List MPs without a constituency mandate, can no longer stand for Prime Minister.

One option is to have a 25% threshold for list MPs, Political Parties over 25% of the party vote, can not have non constituent list MPs. Political Parties under 25% of the party vote can have, list only MPs. So in order for a major political party over 25% of the vote to require list only MPs, is through coalition with a minor party under 25%. Enabling minor party representation, MMP.

Time to put the people first, the country second, and the political parties last.

If you are a voter and agree with me .. vote for me as a protest vote for a better political system and for change .. If you don't vote or care to vote .. I understand and you already agree with me by not voting .

Rusty Kane

Leader of The People's Choice Party

ends

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