Court disqualifies Australian deputy PM, Turnbull govt. loses Parliamentary majority
The High Court of Australia has disqualified Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce and four other politicians from office, saying they were wrongly elected as they held dual citizenship. Electing dual citizens is prohibited by the Australian Constitution. The Malcolm Turnbull-led government has lost its one-seat majority in Parliament because of Joyce's disqualification. Joyce, who earlier renounced his New Zealand citizenship, may return following a by-election.
How did the dual citizen crisis hit Australian MPs
Section 44 of the Australian Constitution prohibits a person holding dual citizenship from contesting for parliament. The crisis surrounding dual citizenship started when Greens party's co-deputy leader Scott Ludlam resigned on July 14; he has Australian-New Zealand citizenship. This prompted around 25 MPs who were born overseas, to scurry to check which country or countries, considered them as citizens. Australia is an immigrant nation.
Joyce says he respects the court verdict
"I respect the verdict of the court," Joyce said following the verdict. "We live in a marvellous democracy, with all the checks and balances they have given us all the freedoms we see. I thank the court [for] their deliberations." The four other politicians who were disqualified are Fiona Nash, Malcolm Roberts, Larissa Waters and Scott Ludlam. They were elected to the Senate.
Turnbull govt. may fall if Joyce loses by-election
Turnbull's conservative coalition enjoyed a one-seat majority in the 150-seat House of Representatives. Joyce, who unknowingly inherited the New Zealand citizenship from his father, can return if he wins a by-election, possibly scheduled for December 2. However, the government is trailing the opposition in opinion polls. Hence, if Joyce loses the by-election, the Turnbull government may fall.
