2 X Articles 13/8/19 - Prisoner voting

[Kiwi Frontline]

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BACKS WAITANGI TRIBUNAL CALL TO ALLOW PRISONER VOTING.

Chief Commissioner Paul Hunt says prison is about rehabilitation and reengagement, not disenfranchisement.

The Tribunal’s findings and recommendations echo the Commission’s submissions to the Urgent Inquiry in May, says Mr Hunt.

“We see that the law disproportionately affects Māori and this not only breaches Māori rights under Te Tiriti but also raises concerns under our international human rights obligations.”....

www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1908/S00170/human-rights-commission-backs-call-to-allow-prisoner-voting.htm

[Kiwi Frontline]

RACIST MINDSET BEHIND VOTE STRIP

One of the claimants against a law stopping prisoners from voting says the National government knew it was flawed when it forced it through in 2010.

The Waitangi Tribunal has found the amendment to the Electoral Act was in breach of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, including for the way Māori are now 11 times more likely to be removed from the electoral roll than non-Māori - and once off they are unlikely to ever vote again.

Donna Awatere Huata says when the bill was formulated, the advice from the Human Rights Commission, United Nations representatives and others advised it was in breach of the Human Rights Act.....

www.waateanews.com/waateanews/x_news/MjI0NDI/Paakiwaha/Racist-mindset-behind-vote-strip