Internet Party applies to register as political party

Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Internet Party has officially applied to register as a political party today by submitting a list of more than 500 eligible members to the Electoral Commission.

Political parties require a membership of 500 eligible voters - adult citizens and permanent residents - to be able to register.

While more than 2000 members have signed up using the Internet Party's app and website, details of only 550 members can be submitted to the Electoral Commission.

Internet Party chief executive Vikram Kumar said the submission signified an important step for the party.

"Gaining registration demonstrates the commitment of the Internet Party and its members to be a real force come the general election on September 20.''

Confirmation of the party's registration is expected to take four to six weeks.

"While the app and website have allowed us to sign up members quickly and easily, we used a manual process to validate the 550 membership forms submitted to the Electoral Commission,'' Mr Kumar said.

Registration means the Internet Party will be able to contest the party vote and be considered for broadcast election advertising funding.

The Internet Party has already applied for broadcasting allocation and provided a submission outlining its request.

Following registration the Internet Party will need to submit its rules providing for the democratic participation of members and candidate selection within the time period specified by law.

The Internet Party's press secretary John Mitchell said no candidates would be announced between now and when the party's founder Kim Dotcom addressed the Mana Party annual conference in Rotorua this weekend.

Mr Dotcom cannot stand because he is not a New Zealand citizen.

"First and foremost we're getting our membership list out there in order to register as a political party.

"At this stage we are still looking at options regarding candidates.''

An Electoral Commission spokesman confirmed the application was received this morning however said the list would not be released to media for privacy reasons.