Election 'blues'

Well the election is over and now the fun begins.  It wasn’t hard to predict a National win even though coalition partner(s) are still needed.

Neither is it unexpected that Phil Goff is stepping down after the poor Labour result although it will be interesting if any immediate successor, particularly if chosen from the present three-man race of David Cunliffe, David Parker or David Shearer, will fit the bill.

I have a feeling that unless one of those men can take a very big upward step and reveal a different side to themselves than what has been shown so far, none will ultimately survive as party leader.

But harking back to the election itself.  While outcomes for the two major parties came as no surprise, except, perhaps, on just how far Labour slumped, there were some eyebrow raising moments – the big surge in Green power and New Zealand First’s romp back into parliament.

No doubt, everyone will have an opinion on where both parties are going and whether MMP has served us well when they examine the numbers game yet again.

Interestingly while MMP won the referendum vote I suspect some people, who would have liked to see a change, stuck with the tried and true on the promise that MMP would be reviewed.  I have heard it said by many factions who favour a proportional electoral system, that the way in which seats are actually proportioned is not entirely satisfactory – too many seats for such a small proportion of the vote.

And if that is the case, these folk are clearly uncomfortable that small parties can wield a great deal of power when it comes to forming a coalition or influencing decisions. Perhaps that is why First Past the Post made a strong referendum showing.  

Anyway, it will be interesting to see if and when a review of MMP will be instigated and what the ultimate outcome will be.

Finally, what was of real concern this election was the dismal turnout of voters. What is wrong with this country? All around the world nations are clamouring for the right to vote yet so many New Zealanders squander this privilege as we do so many other benefits our country affords us.