The 'Waka jumping bill' would hamper NZ's electoral freedom, international experts say

National's Whangarei MP Dr Shane Reti. Photo / Mark Mitchell

New Zealand's electoral freedom ranking would likely take a hit if the Government adopts the so called Waka Jumping Bill, according to the organisation in charge of the World Electoral Freedom Index (WEFI).

But the Government is not concerned with the assessment, with Justice Minister Andrew Little saying the bill won't do any damage to New Zealand's electoral integrity.

The Electoral (Integrity) Amendment Bill – more commonly known as the Waka Jumping bill – would prevent MPs switching political parties between elections and retaining their electorate seat.

It is currently going through the House and has the support of the Governing parties.

National MP Shane Reti wrote to the Foundation for the Advancement of Liberty, the organisation that puts together the annual list, earlier this year, asking how the bill would impact on New Zealand's ranking in the WEFI.

New Zealand was ranked 39th on the most recent electoral freedom ranking – one place below Australia. Ireland topped the list and Brunei came in last place.

In response to Reti's request for comment, the Foundation's Head of Research José Antonio Peña said: "Any new rule which objectively increases the power held by the political party apparatus would most likely weaken the MPs' individual standings as representatives of his or her constituents.

"This and any distortion of the voter's will is seen as a regression by WEFI standards and will certainly reflect on the country's performance in upcoming editions."

National Leader Simon Bridges said New Zealand has always been famous for its level of freedom and transparency.

He says Peña's comments show New Zealand's WEFI ranking will take a hit as a result of the Waka jumping bill.

"Put simply, it puts the power of political parties above that of MPs to represent their views and the views of their constituents. It's a disgrace it's going to pass in this Parliament."

Little – the Minister responsible for the bill – disagrees with Bridges.

"I don't think the bill will do any damage at all to New Zealand's electoral integrity – it maintains the fundamental principles of MMP which is about party representation in Parliament.

"This Government has made a decision to have the electoral integrity legislation and that's what we're doing."