Four-year term, fixed date food for thought

Setting a fixed date for the election was something that could be debated in conjunction with a four-year parliamentary term, Prime Minister Helen Clark said yesterday.

She has not yet revealed the election date and yesterday would not be drawn on when it would be held.

Asked by reporters whether there should be a fixed election date, the Prime Minister thought the idea had some merit.

Sweden had a fixed election date which she understood to be the third Sunday in September every fourth year, which provided a lot of certainty.

"It's something we shouldn't be shying away from debating," she said.

"I think it's got some attractions. I don't think it's particularly suited to a three-year term because a three-year term is really quite short.

"It might be the opportunity to get people thinking about whether there should be a four-year term at a fixed date."

The Prime Minister said she kept in close contact with senior colleagues over when the election should be held.

It was not a decision only for her to make.

She would make the recommendation to the Governor-General but did not decide the date solely on her own.

The last date an election can be held this year is September 24.

Most speculation has centred on a September election, but some have reported that Helen Clark might opt for a July election as she did in 2002.