Aboriginal Peoples and Electoral Reform in Canada by Robert A. Milen

Author:Robert A. Milen [Milen, Robert A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Elections, Minority Studies, General, Election Law, Indigenous Peoples, Social Science, Political Science, Political Process, History, Law, Canada
ISBN: 9781550021059
Google: D8CfslWOBiYC
Goodreads: 1086093
Publisher: Dundurn
Published: 1991-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The Electoral Process

New Zealand’s electoral process in general is fraught with difficulties and inconsistencies that make it a highly alienating experience for Maori voters. This is particularly true with respect to the system of Maori representation. Here the debate over the mechanics pertaining to the Maori electoral process provides insights into the administration of AEDs that may serve as a guideline in other contexts.

LESSON THREE: The technicalities associated with the Maori option are so complex that a certain paralysis has set in. Simplification is critical, especially if much of the voting population as a group does not possess the educational credentials of the general population.

Maori seats are plagued by two inconsistencies that threaten to foreclose the system by default if not by design. Such discontinuities are not altogether absent from general ridings, but their impact is less noticeable there. First, a large number of Maori refuse to register on the Maori roll (only 70 564 of the 1 920 256 eligible voters in all New Zealand were registered on the Maori roll in 1986). Compare this with the 145 087 that were duly registered on the Maori rolls only 10 years earlier (McRobie 1981). In fact, it is estimated that about one-third of all Maori do not bother to register on either the Maori or general roll (New Zealand, Royal Commission 1986). Second, there is an alarming number of invalid ballots cast, the net impact of which dampens the perception of Maori seats as fair and representative. What is the problem, and what can be done?

In the first case, Maori refusal to get involved in the electoral process may reflect a belief that Maori seats are irrelevant, counterproductive and meaningless. Modifications are necessary to revive the relevance of Maori seats as a genuine alternative to the general system. The Maori seats must be seen as created by the Maori, for the Maori and in pursuit of Maori interests. Elected Maori MPs must possess both the mana and resources to take advantage of their presence as power brokers in Parliament. They must be free of party containment, at least to the point where they independently decide to act as a separate Maori party or to pursue a coalition agreement with a major political party.

The second problem can be resolved by simplifying the enrolment procedures, especially as they pertain to the special vote. As it stands now, the large number of spoiled ballots reflects a procedure for enrolment so technical and complicated as to dissuade all but the most dedicated follower (McRobie 1981). Problems in defining who is a Maori make it difficult to determine the eligibility of voters in separate electorates. This may lead to problems in registration associated with the periodic Maori option. A system that is simple, safe and familiar is required if guaranteed representation is to make a meaningful impact on its constituents.

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