By Frank Noakes
"Governments have got used to the idea that they are dictators that can win everything in parliament. But parliament is representing the people, and they won't be able to do that now, nor will they in the future. The people want democracy; we haven't had it for a long time and we are now going to have it!", declared Alliance leader Jim Anderton on the outcome of New Zealand's historic November 6 election.
The Alliance result was truly remarkable for a coalition of five parties formed less than two years ago: in 22 seats it ran second, in a further 20 seats third. Overall, it received 18.3% of the vote.
Significantly, the Alliance was second to Labour in 30% of the working-class seats. In Anderton's seat of Sydenham, the Alliance polled 11,500, Labour 4400, National 2900 and NZ First 336.
The Alliance represents something new in the parliamentary sphere, a new way of doing politics. As an indication of this, Anderton has ruled out backroom deals; coalitions are out and decisions on policy are in. "Governments in New Zealand are going to have to get used to losing some votes in parliament", he insists.
In what is perhaps a first, the Alliance has required of its candidates a pledge which states: "When elected, I undertake during this parliamentary term to work to implement the polices contained in the Alliance 1993 election manifesto and to remain part of the Alliance. Should I vote against, or obstruct the implementation of these polices, or leave the Alliance, I undertake to resign from parliament and seek a new mandate from the electorate. I make this pledge so that electors can have full confidence that the Alliance policies they vote for will be those that will be implemented by an Alliance government."
This pledge was given prominence as part of candidates' democratic credentials in their election material. There is no undemocratic "conscience" vote.
The Alliance has a raft of progressive policies which were clearly set out before the electorate in its manifesto, Together we can make a difference.
In defence, Alliance policy calls for the withdrawal from ANZUS and the Five Power Defence Agreement; it is committed to cancelling the ANZAC frigate project.
On international matters the Alliance would increase NZ's overseas aid; cooperate internationally on shared environmental threats like global warming, ozone depletion, deforestation and the killing of endangered species; and use NZ's Security Council seat to propose changes to IMF and World Bank monetary policy so that future investment promotes sustainable economic activity.
Sound environmental practice is built into all areas of Alliance policy.
"Polytech, training college and university courses will be free ... and all students will be entitled to a good living allowance. The Alliance will provide apprenticeship schemes and extend the minimum wage to workers under 20. Contraception will be available free", reads the manifesto.
The Treaty of Waitangi with the Maori community is recognised as NZ's founding document and constitutional base. Long-standing grievances will be settled, it is pledged.
Social welfare, health care, industrial relations and employment strategies would significantly shift economic activity in favour of people and their environment.
And where is the money going to come from, sneer the other parties and the New Zealand Business Roundtable?
Simple, says the Alliance:
Increase in income tax: $385 million
Increase in company tax: $420 million
Financial transaction tax: $900 million
Carbon tax: $250 million
Frigate cancellation: $170 million
Increased economic activity: $125 million.
More on the NZ Alliance: page 16.