The Indian Newslink Sir Anand Satyanand Lecture held at Pullman Hotel in Auckland on Monday, July 28, 2014 dealt with ‘The Challenges to Democracy in New Zealand.’
With an election just eight weeks away on September 20, the Lecture, delivered by Sir Don McKinnon was therefore both timely and relevant.
For democracy to work, people need the opportunity and motivation to participate in it so that we do have a Government of the people, by the people, for the people.
Indian constituents are perhaps more aware of the importance of democracy than some others. When I first ran for Parliament in Mt Roskill in 1981, some of the strongest support I got was from Fijian Indian community. They knew of the importance of participation in politics and that democracy was important from being treated as second-class citizens in Fiji because of their ethnicity.
New waves of migrants came from Fiji following military coups that deprived people of their democratic and human rights.
Those who have migrated here from India come from the world’s largest democracy. India has much to be proud of. It has had since independence an unbroken record of democratic government while former democracies around it have fallen prey to military coups.
Voter awareness
Indian electors in New Zealand bring with them experience and awareness of the democratic process. I like to tell the story of an Indian gentleman who introduced himself to me outside my Mt Roskill electorate office some years ago.
He knew that I was a Member of Parliament for Mt Roskill, knew my cabinet responsibilities and earlier roles and that I enjoyed strong support from within the Indian community in my electorate.
I replied that he was very well informed and inquired how long he had been living in New Zealand.
“Ten days,” he said proudly!
Exercising franchise
But not everyone is well informed about why democracy is important and why it is vital that people exercise their democratic rights.
A large and growing section of the population does not bother to vote. A disproportionate number of them are made up of young people and new migrants. By not voting, your voice is not heard. The decisions made will not reflect your interests.
The young have a vital interest in issues like climate change, savings schemes and paying for superannuation, which have a future impact that will affect them more than any other group. They need to influence the decisions being made now on these issues.
Right to determine
Democracy is about your right to determine the future direction and policies of your country. It is about reminding Governments that they draw their mandate from the people and that elections are to hold them to account.
Helen Clark (Former Prime Minister) used to remind us that every day in Government was a privilege that had to be earned. As a Minister, it was always useful to remember that while the position I held was important, I was simply the person that occupied the position for the time being.
The old saying, “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” is true.
Egotistic tendencies
Even in New Zealand, Ministers after years in power develop a sense of entitlement and become arrogant. Sadly, we have seen recent examples of that.
At this year’s election, politicians need to set out their alternative policies and vision for the future.
Labour has committed itself to doing that in a positive way.
Electors need to take time to consider the alternative, ensure that they are on the roll and vote on election day.
It is also in our interest to do that.
Phil Goff is Member of Parliament elected from Mr Roskill in Auckland and former Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister. He was the Master of Ceremonies at the Indian Newslink Sir Anand Satyanand Lecture held on July 28, 2014. A related report appears under Homelink. (Picture by Narendra Bedekar)
