James Duddridge, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East today declared a victory for democracy, as the Government admit that it is undermined when people are not able to participate in elections.
James contributed to the debate on Monday 3rd March on the remaining stages of the political parties and elections bill and also sat on the Committee for the Bill, where MP’s debate the bill line by line. During the Committee stage, James spoke out to increase democracy by pushing for increases in voter registration and was delighted to hear the Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice, Michael Wills, speaking out about the importance of increasing the number of people registered to vote.
Speaking today, James said:
“I am thrilled that the work that I and other MPs did in the Committee stage of this bill, have made the Government take notice and realise that it is unacceptable to have an inaccurate electoral register”
“I believe that without a sufficiently accurate registration system for voters, then democracy becomes a farce. All people in this country who are eligible to vote, deserve the right to participate. This bill is so important in making sure that our government remains democratic and accountable, and I am so glad that the Minister raised
3 March 2009