9 Feb 2012

Electoral commission refers TVNZ to police

7:16 pm on 9 February 2012

The Electoral Commission has referred Television New Zealand to police for what it believes is a breach of electoral law.

The Commission has already found that an appearance on Radio Live by Prime Minister John Key, two months out from the November election, warrants further investigation.

But no complaint was lodged against Mr Key, who hosted the hour-long broadcast September 2011.

The Commission has also found a possible breach by TVNZ.

It says that relates to news coverage broadcast on the day of the election, Saturday 26 November because it included statements that were likely to influence potential voters.