Dynamics of Enacting ss 3A, 3B and 3C of the Electoral Act 1992: a Lesson on How to Resolve the Political Gridlock

Abstract

This article explores the enactment of ss 3A, 3B and 3C of the Electoral Act as a frame within which to examine how the dynamics involved in enacting legislation can resolve political gridlocks. Through such analysis the paper emphasises how political and procedural factors mould legislative provisions. This paper argues that the manner in which the pre- legislative process and legislative process was choreographed in the enactment of these sections allowed the Government to harness the inherent dignity and power of the parliamentary process to legitimatise policy.