Electoral Act enforcement

The NZ Herald runs the headline that under new laws Police could raid party offices under new election laws. I believe they should have raided them (both National and Labour) last time, rather than just ask a few questions. As Labour staffers were being investigated for corrupt as well as illegal practices, they could have got a search warrant.

The proposed increases in fins for illegal practices are better than nothing but still provide little disincentive to parties and officers to comply. The fine goes from $3,000 to $10,000 for individuals.

What is more important however is the penalties for corrupt practices. Ideally these should be up to $1 million for parties, $100,000 and several years jail for individuals. The Herald doesn’t comment on these.