Will you use your freedom this election?

Jonathan Ayling,Free Speech Unionchief executive

Opinion

Election season brings all sorts of doubts. One moment, voting can feel like a huge social responsibility, and the next, we wonder if it makes a difference. 

But the power of democracy is that it’s not just about our single vote. Voting is significant, but it’s the culmination of our other freedoms. This liberty is the expression of many others. We all have a choice this election, before the choice of which box to tick. It’s deciding how to use our freedom to lead us to that point.

Imagine an election without free speech. People would be afraid to voice their opinions, ask tough questions, or challenge those in power. It would be like a silent, one-sided conversation where only a select few have a say.

There are certainly those out there who want this to be the case, but that’s not how democracy is supposed to work.

This week we’ve seen both major parties acknowledge the importance of free speech.

Chris Bishop called on New Zealanders to “respect the democratic process”, saying “. . . there will be people who want to have a go and want to have a say. That’s actually part of a robust democracy.”

Likewise, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said he’s used to being criticised every day, “That’s just the nature of the democratic system and it’s not actually unhealthy.”

Free speech is not just important for voicing your opinions, but also for hearing the voices of others. It’s only through communication that we learn and understand each other’s opinions. It might even change our minds.

When you hear positive remarks by our leaders like those above, we must hold them to it. We can’t ignore the hate speech laws Government were implementing two years ago. We pushed them back (largely thanks to a huge number of submissions opposing it). Yet, the fight continues, with the Department of Internal Affairs currently pushing for an online “Super Regulator” — essentially hate speech laws for the internet.

The ambiguity of these laws is dangerous and has the potential to make us walk on eggshells for risk of being punished for our words. This doesn’t line up with Bishop’s and Hipkin’s affirmation of our democracy this week.

Free speech is foundational to our democratic society, to your voice being heard, so consider where each political party stands on free speech before placing your vote. This is an issue that affects all Kiwis. We can’t just be on the sideline.

At the Free Speech Union, we want to see Kiwis equipped to ask the big questions, and therefore equipped to make an informed vote. To help you exercise your freedom to speak and listen during this election campaign, we’ve collated a list of questions you can use when attending campaign events. These include, “What is your party’s position on the implementation of ‘hate speech’ legislation?” and “What commitments can your party give to ensuring the protection of the right of Kiwis to meet and discuss ideas and political views, even if they are controversial or unpopular?”

Politicians need to know this is a matter that Kiwis not only care about, but depend on. They need to see free speech being demonstrated in constructive ways to bring meaningful change. They need this front of mind when they’re leading our country. How will you play your part in this and embrace your freedom in this election?

■  For the Free Speech Union’s full election questionnaire, go to: www.fsu.nz/questions_for_political_parties_and_candidates