Broadcasting share claims

The Electoral Commission is preparing to hear claims from 23 political parties for a share of the $3.2 million available for campaign broadcasts.

As well as the money, there are 102 free minutes for opening and closing addresses on Television New Zealand and National Radio. The commission said yesterday the list includes eight parties not yet registered.

Parties that will put their cases in Wellington next week range from Labour and National to unregistered parties including The 99 MP Party and the New Zealand Patriot Party.

Among the parties which are registered but are not claiming eligibility this election are the Legalise Cannabis Party, Mana Maori Movement and the One New Zealand Party.

- NZPA