Waititi - not a fan of democracy

Te Pāte Māori co-leader and MP Rawiri Waititi has stated that he is not a fan of democracy - see interview here.  He has also apparently described African coup leader Ibrahim Traore as a modern day hero - see article here.

It is hard to know whether Waititi is genuinely advocating to change our system of government in New Zealand.  He may just be calling out the undoubted imperfections in democracy and the colonial history of Africa.  In any event, he is entitled to his opinions no matter how confronting they are to those of us who believe that our democracy is precious.

AWNZ is about shining light on activities that insidiously undermine our democracy rather than debating whether democracy is the best form of government. Generally speaking, the autocratic playbook involves chipping away at the foundations of democracy rather than confronting it head on.  Often the attack is cloaked as protecting freedoms.

Waititi’s comments echo those of libertarian billionaire and New Zealand citizen Peter Theil - I no longer believe that feedom and democracy are compatible - see article here.

There can be no doubt that comments of this type contribute to the threat to our democracy by undermining confidence in it and preparing fertile ground for aspiring autocrats should they emerge.