Direct Democracy Party of New Zealand
Encyclopedia
The Direct Democracy Party of New Zealand (2005-2009) was a political party
in New Zealand
that promoted greater participation by the people in the decision-making of government. The party's leader was Kelvyn Alp
.
It was one of the few parties in New Zealand that openly challenged the current monetary system
and actively promoted solutions to irredeemable debt. It aimed to establish a system of binding referendum
s (similar to the Landsgemeinde
used in parts of Switzerland
) for all major decisions. The Party also advocated for a New Zealand Constitution to protect and enshrine the rights and freedoms of the people.
In 2005 the Direct Democracy Party gained official registration as a political party. It fielded 32 party members in the 2005 elections
, but won only 782 votes (or 0.03% of the total vote), failing to get any MPs into parliament.
The party did not apply for broadcasting funding in 2008, nor did it submit a party list. The official results for the party vote in that year's election recorded no votes for the DDP.
The party's registration was cancelled at its own request on 30 June 2009.
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
in New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
that promoted greater participation by the people in the decision-making of government. The party's leader was Kelvyn Alp
Kelvyn Alp
Kelvyn Alp born 27 March 1971, was the leader of the Direct Democracy Party of New Zealand which stood in the 2005 general elections. He also stood for Mayor of Manukau in 2007. Alp stood in the 2011 Te Tai Tokerau by-election under the OurNZ Party banner receving 0.5% of the vote...
.
It was one of the few parties in New Zealand that openly challenged the current monetary system
Monetary system
A monetary system is anything that is accepted as a standard of value and measure of wealth in a particular region.However, the current trend is to use international trade and investment to alter the policy and legislation of individual governments. The best recent example of this policy is the...
and actively promoted solutions to irredeemable debt. It aimed to establish a system of binding referendum
Referendum
A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This may result in the adoption of a new constitution, a constitutional amendment, a law, the recall of an elected official or simply a specific government policy. It is a form of...
s (similar to the Landsgemeinde
Landsgemeinde
The Landsgemeinde or "cantonal assembly" is one of the oldest forms of direct democracy. The first historically documented assembly took place in 1294...
used in parts of Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
) for all major decisions. The Party also advocated for a New Zealand Constitution to protect and enshrine the rights and freedoms of the people.
In 2005 the Direct Democracy Party gained official registration as a political party. It fielded 32 party members in the 2005 elections
New Zealand general election, 2005
The 2005 New Zealand general election held on 17 September 2005 determined the composition of the 48th New Zealand Parliament. No party won a majority in the unicameral House of Representatives, but the Labour Party of Prime Minister Helen Clark secured two more seats than nearest rival, the...
, but won only 782 votes (or 0.03% of the total vote), failing to get any MPs into parliament.
The party did not apply for broadcasting funding in 2008, nor did it submit a party list. The official results for the party vote in that year's election recorded no votes for the DDP.
The party's registration was cancelled at its own request on 30 June 2009.