A Rakiraki resident is calling on the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights to retain the 48-hour election campaign blackout period before polling day.
Under the proposed Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2026, the current 48-hour period before polling day, during which campaigning restrictions apply, would be removed, with the restrictions instead applying on polling day.
The resident, Tirise Nade, says people should be given enough time to think for themselves before deciding who to vote for.
Nade says the blackout gives voters an opportunity to reflect on their choices without being subjected to further campaigning or influence.
She says 48 hours is sufficient time for candidates and political parties to stop campaigning and allow voters to make their decisions freely.
Nade also raised concerns about any proposed increase in campaign-related spending, saying the financial burden should not fall on the public.
She says those seeking to be part of the system should be prepared to meet more of their own costs rather than relying on public funds.
Nade says the priority should be to support the public rather than place additional demands on them.
