Harawira's by-election plans delayed
Hone Harawira's plans to force a by-election have been pushed back, with the independent MP now likely to resign from Parliament next week.
Hone Harawira's plans to force a by-election have been pushed back, with the independent MP now likely to resign from Parliament next week.
Mr Harawira, who left the Maori Party in February, last week announced that he would resign from Parliament and seek a mandate in his Te Tai Tokerau electorate as leader of his new Mana political party.
A spokesman for Mr Harawira last night said the MP was likely to resign next week, well ahead of the official May 26 deadline necessary to ensure no by-election is held within six months of the general election (on November 26).
"It's basically stuff around making sure everything is done according to the electoral commission, just making sure that the party's registered as it should be, that sort of thing," the spokesman said.
Electoral rules require a six-month gap between when the by-election is called and the general election.
Other parties have been scathing of Mr Harawira's plans, calling the by-election a publicity stunt, and a waste of taxpayers' money.
When asked about the by-election today, Labour leader Phil Goff said Mr Harawira's plans did not appear to be concrete.
"The real question is whether there'll be a by-election," he said.
"It was a stunt in the first place, it's not necessary and now the local member is having second thoughts."
Labour had not yet decided whether it would contest the seat if the by-election went ahead, while National has ruled out standing a candidate.
The Maori Party is holding meetings with Te Tai Tokerau constituents this weekend.
"We want to know from our supporters in Te Tai Tokerau how we can best represent them," Maori Party president Pem Bird said.
"Regardless of whether or not we stand a candidate in a yet-to-be confirmed by-election, we must strengthen our party's infrastructure in the north."
NBR staff
Thu, 05 May 2011
Thu, 05 May 2011
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Harawira's by-election plans delayed
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