Voter turnout at the recently held by-election in Botany was low.
A number of factors were responsible for poor percentage of polling, which I had noticed even while we were visiting people at their homes and places of work.
Firstly, many people in the electorate were unaware of the voting process. Many did not even know the date of polling, some thought it was only by postal ballot, while others believed that they need not vote in the by-election.
I also understand that a lot of residents had not even enrolled as voters.
There were hardly any signs or hoardings from the Election Commission to remind voters of the by-election.
The flyers distributed were in English, whereas the Electorate comprises a large mix of ethnic groups, many of who could not understand the contents of the flyer.
Secondly the whole campaign was completed in few weeks. The Candidates or their teams could not contact a majority of residents. Party leaders and MPs were busy with the Christchurch Earthquake since February 22, 2011, just eleven days before the by-election, which was crucial.
Thirdly and more importantly, many people stayed away thinking that it was a one-sided contest and hence opted not to go out to vote.
The heavy downpour was another deterrent, encouraging people to stay indoors.
A satisfying experience
The By-election was a great learning experience for me. Being the Chairman of the National Party Botany Electorate, I was involved with all aspects of the by-election, from the early stages to the celebration of the victory of Jami-Lee Ross.
Our first task was to select a candidate, following the National Party’s principles of transparency and democracy.
People from various ethnic groups evinced interest in being a candidate for the National Party, which is proof of its popularity of our Leader (Prime Minister) John Key and his policies and programmes for all New Zealanders.
There were 13 people interested, out of who one person had to be selected. The pre-selection stage witnessed the shortlisting of five nominees, following which the race began for the final selection.
The choice of the final candidate was tough.
On the night of final selection, newcomer Jamie-Lee Ross was successful.
The Campaign
Thereafter, there was no time to lose. Even before the hangover of the selection process wore off, we switched to the campaign mode.
We were aware that the other parties had conceded defeat long before the by-election, notwithstanding their constant rhetoric. But we were not complacent but worked hard for every vote that was cast for Mr Ross.
National Party had a Candidate with a proven record, a great strategy, a wonderful team and dedicated volunteers. All these translated into victory for us.
The by-election saw National Party retaining its seat, with Mr Ross becoming the youngest Member of Parliament.
A new Electorate
For those who had missed the news items appearing in Indian Newslink and elsewhere, the by-election was caused by the resignation of Pansy Wong, who announced her decision to quit Parliament on December 14, 2010, after resigning from her Ministerial portfolios earlier.
She was the first candidate to win the Botany Electorate.
It was created after the 2006 Census, which showed high population growth in the electoral landscape of South Auckland.
Western suburbs of Flat Bush, East Tamaki, Dannemora and Botany Downs were combined with parts of the Clevedon and Pakuranga electorates to create Botany.
The Electorate has nearly 49% new immigrants, 33% of who are Asian.
It has highest number of one family home.
I have lived in Botany since 1998 and love the area for its diversity, wonderful schools, and good restaurants and of course, the Botany Town Centre.
