The Christian Vote (1)

Good Morning and Welcome to this week’s Gospel and Culture update, by Alan Vink
The Christian Vote (1)
Tuesday 13th June 2023

The Christian Vote

This is the first of a series of occasional and short articles I am keen to write between now and the 2023 elections set down for the 14th October. In these articles I will reflect on the interplay between Christians and Government and the NZ parliamentary process.

Today, I want to do a very brief overview on the history of Christian parties in NZ and why I think it is very unlikely a Christian party will make the all-important 5% threshold of votes from eligible voters needed to get into Parliament under our MMP system. The only other way to get into parliament is to win one of 72 electorate seats which hasn’t happened in the 27 year history of MMP and in my view very unlikely to happen. The party vote is really the only option for Christian parties. Also, I want to acknowledge that the folks involved in Christian parties are sincere, well intentioned and good people. I have interacted with many of them over the years. In a MMP environment they have just as much right to exist as anyone else.

Firstly and I do wish to apologise ahead of time but these next three sentences do not make for easy reading. Christian Parties haven’t helped themselves. From the ‘get-go’ there have been very public problems. From sexual misconduct to in fighting (and leadership stouches) to misappropriation of monies to strange public utterances and unwanted media attention. Without a doubt this has eroded the confidence many people have in Christian parties. Credibility is at an all-time low. Worse still I fear we have become a laughing stock in many corners of NZ society. How good it would be if our policies and our politics would be so good that though many may disagree with us they can’t help but respect us.

Secondly, the last three election results for Christian Parties are self-explanatory.

If there are say 15% of eligible voters who might be willing to give their party vote to a Christian party then the question that begs to be asked is, why don’t they? And who are they voting for instead?

Third. All minnows struggle to get to 5% not just Christian parties. The reason for this isn’t that difficult. Minnows don’t have the ‘intellectual capital’ or much (if any) experience in the world of politics. Until they can prove that they do, they are very unlikely to get any traction. Think……The Greens and ACT. Both are now credible minor parties after being minnows for many years.

Four. In the lead up to this year’s election the three perhaps four registered Christian parties are already experiencing division and turmoil. This is so unfortunate. I think many of my readers will agree that the only chance Christian Parties are going to get is to go into the election on one platform and speak with one voice.

And last. As things are today I predict a National-Act led Government at the ballot box on the 14th October. Historically this meant good news for most Christians because National has been a more socially conservative party than Labour. Sadly this has changed and changed quite dramatically in the space of about ten years. Given this, I understand entirely the angst that many Christians are feeling at this time. I’m feeling it. It certainly is a time to soberly reflect on the ‘state of our nation’ to pray and ask God how we should respond (and vote) in a country that is fast losing its moral moorings.

Your feedback and comments are most welcome just tap reply.