Prof Andrew Geddis (left) and Dr Bryce Edwards chat over
morning tea as they discuss the University of Otago Vote
Chat Election Night Special, which will be live-streamed on
Saturday night. Photo by Linda Robertson.
Politics is too important to be taken seriously, those
behind a new University of Otago election night special say.
Hosted by lecturers Dr Bryce Edwards and Prof Andrew Geddis,
the Vote Chat Election Night Special will feature
local and national politicians and commentators and be
live-streamed on the Otago Daily Times and NZ
Herald .
In addition to analysing election results, points of interest
include whether National can secure more than 50%, the
performance of the Greens, the possible return of Winston
Peters and the overall voter turnout.
A small percentage of results on the voting system referendum
would also be available on Saturday night. "That should be
enough to give a reasonable indication of which way it is
swinging", Prof Geddis, of the law faculty, said.
Aside from debate and analysis, the pair were promising an
entertaining show which, unlike its television counterparts,
would be "loose and irreverent" and feature no
advertisements.
"Politics is too important to be taken seriously," Prof
Geddis said.
Dr Edwards, of the politics department, said the special was
modelled on his weekly VoteChat series, in which politicians
were interviewed in front of an audience and broadcast via
social media.
While the election night special would not feature an
audience at the University's media production studio, it
would be streamed live to cater for those wanting a different
take on the election.
"It will be a bit alternative and a bit quirky," Dr Edwards
said.
• The University of Otago Vote Chat Election Night
Special will be streamed live on odt.co.nz from 7pm.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.