Dirty Politics and mudslinging have been the wake of the election campaign in New Zealand but the public mood appears to be more focused on the next government than on the circus that has been in town for the past two months.
New Zealanders have always mixed humour with politics, and taking a swipe or two at political leaders is a favourite past-time. However, they do not suffer mediocrity, much less political vandalism of middlemen and indiscretion of leaders. The people speak through the ballot once in every three years. In the past two or more decades, their decision was for or against National or Labour. Bu this year, a number of minor parties have begun to make a mark. They may not hold the balance of power but would be essential components of a new government.
National continues to do well in opinion polls although its fortunes vary from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Good.’ Labour suffers a painful distance with its acceptance rate less than 30%. The Party must do better over the next week to make any impact on the voting public.
The single important factor that would influence the voting public is the charismatic leadership of John Key. According to his supporters, he has held the office of the Prime Minister since assuming office in November 2008 with dignity and honour, not failing to punish his erring ministers or members of Parliament. Like his predecessor, Mr Key has been engaging closely with New Zealanders, meeting and greeting them at formal and informal events, festivals and social and cultural gatherings. Developments over the past few weeks, especially in the wake of Nicky Hager’s ‘Dirty Politics,’ have not damaged his profile – at least not to the extent that his opponent wanted.
Even as he announced the date of the election on March 10, Mr Key highlighted the difficulties of forming the next government. As he mentioned six months ago, a party leader who may hold the balance of power has a record of prevarication. “It could be a very complex environment. And if New Zealand First holds the balance of power, goodness knows how long it will take him to decide what he is going to do.”
National’s options for partners are more limited than those of Labour, which could work with the Green Party. Party tacticians are therefore entertaining some strange permutations.
One is to try to ensure that Colin Craig, leader of another party, the Conservatives, gets elected. Mr Craig is a man of striking views. He wants to revoke a law against parents smacking their children and another one legalising same-sex marriage.
The political scene is further complicated by Kim Dotcom, the man behind the Internet Party, whose alliance with the Mana Party has already seen discomforting scenes. Both the Greens and Labour fear that the Internet Party will take votes from them.
It is in this context that ethnic minorities would become a significant voting machine. Although small in number, they can be a decisive factor in this year’s election.
