KEY POINTS:
The High Court's decision to suspend the National Party's candidate selection in the troubled Selwyn electorate casts doubt on other selections by all political parties.
An interim injunction was granted last week after an application by Roger Payne, who was vetoed by the National Party board from taking part in the selection. Five other candidates are vying for the nod. After candidate meetings, a final selection meeting was to have taken place tonight.
The injunction was granted by Justice Graham Panckhurst, who had turned down an earlier application in March. However, the judge said in his latest ruling that when he made the earlier decision he had not been aware of section 71 of the Electoral Act 1993 which is headed: "Requirement for parties to follow democratic procedures in candidate selection".
Mr Payne claims the National Party's selection procedure is undemocratic. Party rules say the board has "an unfettered discretion to approve or disapprove a nomination received".
The judge has decided there is a substantive case to be answered.
Last year, list MP David Carter was declared the candidate unopposed but after internal ructions and suggestions that others had been pressured not to stand, the selection was re-opened. Mr Carter said he would seek a list place.
The outcome of the substantive case could have implications for other selections where candidates were vetoed by a party's board. A date for the case to be heard is expected to be set tomorrow.
