The appointment of a new Electoral Commission with Justice Sir Hugh Williams as the Chairman is likely to the first phase in extensive electoral reforms that are long overdue in New Zealand.
Justice Minister Simon Power gave an indication to this effect while announcing the establishment of the new body on September 30.
The new Commission, with Robert Peden as the Chief Electoral Officer, may also feature a Deputy Chairman if approved by Parliament.
The Chief Registrar of Electors will continue to function as an independent officer but would be transferred to the Commission in 2012.
We understand that Sir Hugh, with his extensive legal background, will bring to bear a new style of leadership that could spell dynamism and open new pathways for bringing about better governance and wide-ranging changes needed to reflect the evolving trends in New Zealand demographics.
A High Court Judge for 14 years (1995-2009), Massey University Chancellor for seven years (1990-1997), Palmerstone North City Councillor for six years (1983-1989) and Electoral Commission President for one year (2009), Sir Hugh brings to his new job not only expertise and experience but also dignity and honour.
Queen Elizabeth II made him Additional Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in her Birthday Honours List in June.
Mr Power described the new Commission as “A one-stop shop for all parliamentary electoral matters, including services to electors, voters, political parties, candidates, Parliament, the media, overseas electoral agencies, and international institutions.”
“It replaced the previous regime in which electoral administration was shared by the Chief Electoral Officer, the Electoral Commission, and the Chief Registrar of Electors through the Electoral Enrolment Centre,” he said.
The need for a revamped Electoral Commission with sufficient and appropriate powers to administer the electoral process has been pronounced since long, and with the increasing debate on the susceptibility of the MMP system of election, this body has gained more prominence.
In addition, the recent spate of scandals in South Auckland during the Local Government elections involving foul play allegedly perpetrated by people of Indian origin has necessitated the need for better control over the selection and approval of candidates. A more stringent vetting system is required, which we believe would be administrated by the new Commission.
