Opposition Senator Lambert Brown - file photo
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Lambert Brown
Opposition Senator Lambert Brown has said the government's decision to postpone the Local Government elections shows that it is not serious about the promise of implementing fixed election dates.
The elections were due to be held this month.
Making his contribution to the debate on The Representation of the People (Amendment) Act in the senate on Friday, Mr. Brown said he is in support of variable dates for elections.
"This bill is ripping to shreds the approach of fixed election period because this bill essentially gives the minister the right to call an election anywhere between now and 2022. So, as the Leader of the Opposition said in the other place, we should insert in this bill the need for a fixed period, so that no minister or Prime Minister can freely just set a date at their advantage," he contended.
Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie on Tuesday tabled a motion in the House of Representatives for the elections to be held no later than February 27, 2022.
He told the House that given the fiscal and economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent damage caused by flood rains it would not be practical to hold the elections at this time.
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