Make It 16

New Zealand's highest court ruled on Monday that the country's current voting age of 18 was discriminatory, compelling Parliament to discuss whether it should be lowered. 

 

The case, which has been going through the courts since 2020, was bought by the advocacy group Make It 16, which wants the age lowered to include 16 and 17-year-olds. They maintain on their website there is insufficient justification to stop 16-year-olds from voting when they can drive, work full time and pay taxes. 

 

The Supreme Court found that the current voting age of 18 was inconsistent with the country's Bill of Rights, which gives people a right to be free from age discrimination when they have reached 16. 

 

The decision triggers a process in which the issue must come before Parliament for discussion and be reviewed by a parliamentary select committee. But it does not force Parliament to change the voting age.

 

In Malaysia, Perak ruler, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, has given his consent to the formation of a unity government by Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional today. And Saarani Mohamad (left) from BN-UMNO stays as Perak menteri besar. 

 

Thirty seats are needed before a political coalition can form a simple majority. PH's 24 seats added to BN's 9 seats have given the new alliance a combined total of 33 seats. And a new state government are in place.