Undemocratic rules force change of candidate

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Undemocratic rules force change of candidate

By Dave Wright

SYDNEY — The Democratic Socialists have been forced to name a new candidate for the western Sydney seat of Reid because its original candidate is a federal public servant.

Under the federal electoral laws, public servants are barred from standing as candidates, supposedly because there could be a "conflict of interest".

"It is difficult to see how a low-paid public servant can decisively influence government policy", former Democratic Socialists candidate Sarah Harris told Green Left Weekly. "The electoral laws are designed to make it harder for working people, independents and minor parties to stand. The Howard government has tightened electoral laws and increased the nomination fee for prospective candidates", she said.

"This is only a minor hiccup in our election plans", Harris added. "We will continue with our campaigning stalls and actions in the Reid electorate", she said. Anti-racism campaigner Rupen Savoulian will be the Democratic Socialists' new candidate for Reid.

"The attacks of the Howard government are hurting people in Sydney's west", Savoulian told Green Left. "The GST means working people are going to subsidise big business even more than previously."

"The Reid electorate has a high migrant population, particularly Turkish, Kurdish and Arabic-speaking migrants", he said. "These are among the people being attacked by the racist scapegoating of One Nation.

"While it blames migrants for causing unemployment and incites racial attacks against migrants, One Nation has the hide to stand a candidate in this area. But most people here will see One Nation for what it is — a racist outfit that is no alternative."

The Democratic Socialists will launch their election campaign for Reid on Wednesday, September 16 at their Parramatta office: suite 3, upstairs, Railway Arcade, 40 Darcy Street, Parramatta. Marina Carman and Peter Boyle will be contesting the NSW Senate for the Democratic Socialists.

To help the Democratic Socialists' campaign, phone 9635 8449 or e-mail <dsp@peg.apc.org>.

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