18/08/2005

ODC: No changes to voting system

Otorohanga residents will have to demand a poll if they want to see charges to the district's voting system.
Councillors discussed the possibility of adopting the single transferable vote (STV) electoral system and introducing Maori wards, but decided to retain the current system.
The Local Electoral Act 2001 gives each local authority an opportunity to review the electoral system prior to the 2007 elections.
Councillors were unanimous in their decision to retain the first past the post (FPP) electoral system. They referred to problems encountered by other local authorities using the STV system in the 2004 elections.
This included delays in releasing results.
"It was a shambles," said deputy mayor Hugh Earwaker.
Chief executive David Hall said the council had never encountered any problems using the FPP system.
"It has worked extremely well in the past,"' he said.
When discussing the possibility of introducing Maori wards, Mr Earwaker said he felt residents were already well represented with the current ward system.
"I believe we are a smaller community and we have a high level of representation. as it is."
Councillors will give public notice that electors have the right to demand a poll on either issue.
Five per cent or more of electors are needed to demand a poll.