Democracy march expected to draw thousands
Organiser of democracy march in Auck today says the results of 3 referenda have been ignored but Govt should follow wishes of majority
21 November 2009
Thousands of people are expected to take part in a march in Auckland today, calling on politicians to be more responsive to public opinion.
March for Democracy organiser Colin Craig has put hundreds of thousands of dollars into publicising the demonstration. He wants politicians to follow the wishes of the majority.
Mr Craig says three referenda have been held but there has been little action if any, on their outcomes. He says 82 percent of New Zealanders voted to cut the number of MPs in one referendum, but the result was ignored.
Mr Craig also points to the referendum on law and order, which had 92 percent of participants supporting a more victim centred justice system but nothing was done about it.
He says the anti-smacking legislation is a similar example. He thinks the referendum on the subject should have resulted in the law being changed so that parents using a light smack do not become criminals in the eyes of the law.
Mr Craig believes that when there is a clear majority of people expressing a view through a referendum, it should be honoured.
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