First past the post will be the system used by the Waitaki
District Council and Oamaru Licensing Trust in the October
2013 local body elections, unless people demand a change.
Both authorities have used the system since local body
reforms in 1989, despite in recent elections having a choice.
Both are also required to make a decision before each
election on the system that will be used, then publicly
advertise it for the public to comment.
However, electors have a right to demand a poll to
countermand the decision.
To do that, the demand for a poll must be signed by at least
5% of the number of electors entitled to vote at the previous
election.
In the case of the trust, that would require 673 valid
signatures and for the council 781 valid signatures.
Any demand for a poll to change the electoral system has to
be lodged with the council by 5pm on February 28.
Local bodies have the choice of two systems - first past the
post (FPP) or the single transferable vote (STV).
david.bruce@odt.co.nz
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.