Australian Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce and four other politicians were wrongly elected because they held dual citizenship, a court has ruled.
This means Mr Joyce must leave parliament. The other three quit in July.
Earlier this year it was found that Mr Joyce was a citizen of New Zealand as well as Australia. Australia’s constitution prohibits dual citizens from being elected.
He could return through a by-election. He renounced New Zealand citizenship in August.
What does it mean for the government?
With Mr Joyce disqualified, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s numbers slip to 75 in the 150-seat House of Representatives.
However, Mr Turnbull could regain his 76-seat majority if Mr Joyce wins the by-election on 2 December. Mr Joyce is eligible to run now he is a citizen of Australia alone.
3 Responses
that is just sad!!
that is not cool, what is wrong with NZ ?
Wow