NEW ZEALAND 8 November 2008 New Zealanders vote in general election

Prime Minister Helen Clark's job and Labour Party government will be on the line on Nov 8, the date for New Zealand's general election. Clark wants a fourth three-year term and a big enough Labour margin in the 121-seat legislature to form a majority government. The slower economy and falling house prices are among factors that have given the opposition National Party, led by John Key, a strong lead. And opinion polls suggest the Maori Party could be a deal maker in 2008.

Under New Zealand's electoral system, a party needs 5 per cent of the total vote to win seats in parliament -- unless it wins an electorate seat. New Zealand First, the Green Party and Maori Party are likely to cross the threshold and be available if either of the major parties needs a partner or partners to govern. Other parties with a chance include United Future and the ACT New Zealand party.

No subject of current political discussion is more significant than Labour's flagship legislation to set up a market in greenhouse gas emission permits. Although the Greens feel it is unfair that the agriculture sector isn't going to be included in the scheme for several years, the party has signed on to the scheme. New Zealand First is said to be considering it.

The Maori Party will be back with an increased presence in the new Parliament, with polling indicating they could take all Maori seats except the South Island. The likely quid pro quo for the cooperation of this party of indigenous New Zealanders is a promise of cabinet seats in education and social affairs. Aug/08

RELATED READING:

New Zealand election site
http://www.elections.org.nz/

New Zealand father on trial for flicking son's ears (Earth Times 21 Aug 2008)
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/227084,new-zealand-father-on-trial-for-flicking-sons-ears.html

National Party Lead Narrows a Second Month in New Zealand Poll (Bloomberg 18 Aug 2008)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=aoMwg4aIKz9w&refer=australia

Maori Party holds the key (Stuff.co.nz 19 Aug 2008)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4661379a1861.html

NEWSAHEAD CORRESPONDENT C.BALAJI, WHO IS AVAILABLE FOR FREELANCE ASSIGNMENTS IN INDIA AND THE REGION, CONTRIBUTED TO THIS ARTICLE. mailto:mohanbalaji20032004@yahoo.co.in