Electors’ chance to be heard

Press, 17 August 1979, Page 12

Electors’ chance to be heard

The result in tomorrow’s by-election in the Christchurch Central electorate is as assured as any result can be in the uncertain game of politics. That is no reason for voters to stay away from the polls. Indeed, at a time when there appears to be a widespread feeling that governments and members of Parliament are not responsive enough to the wishes of those they represent, voters should not ignore any opportunity to remind the politicians that the electorate is not indifferent. When much disquiet has been expressed about the state of the electoral rolls it would also be disturbing to find voters are not making use of the rolls when they have the opportunity. A vote tomorrow, regardless of which candidate it is for, will be a vote in favour of the democratic process and

of a right that should be exercised. That right should be used if electors are not to convey the impression to politicians that, after all, they do not care very much about who represents them or what policies are pursued in their name. Whatever the percentage of the turnout of voters tomorrow, and whatever percentage of the votes cast is gained by each candidate, conflicting interpretations are likely to be placed on the result. The higher the percentage of eligible voters who bother to vote, the clearer any lessons will be that parties and politicians attempt to draw from the results. The candidate who wins tomorrow will be a newcomer to Parliament; he should be sent there with a clear indication of the degree of support he has in his electorate.