Letter to the Editor: the Christchurch by-election

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from:     Frank Macskasy <fmacskasy@gmail.com>
to:     Sunday Star Times <letters@star-times.co.nz>
date:     Mon, Dec 2, 2013 at 8:41 AM
subject: Letter to the ed

The Editor
Sunday Star Times

National’s supposed earthquake recovery minister, Gerry Brownlee was on Morning Report on 2 December, complaining that the small turnout was more about apathy than a “sea change” in public opinion wanting to see a change in government.

He said, ” I acknowledge they won a seat that they’ve always held. That was expected.But to sort of say on such a small turnout that it represents anything other than [an] indication of voter apathy is questionable.”

http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/2578314

Is that right, Mr Brownlee?

Does that mean that the same can be said of the 2011 election results, which was the lowest voter turn-out since 1887, where over 800,000 New Zealanders did not vote?

Or is it a “good result” – despite a small voter turnout – only if the Nats come out of it looking good?

– Frank Macskasy

[address and phone number supplied]

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= fs =