The Government Minister behind Labour's draconian election law reform proposals has confirmed that groups as diverse as the Littlies Lobby would have to seek clarification before promoting any relevant issues in election year, says National Party Deputy Leader, Bill English.

"National believes the Littlies Lobby's messages on a better world for children will count as an election advertisement next year, so its distribution of the message will be severely restricted.

"Asked in Parliament today, Mark Burton was totally unable to say whether Labour's proposed law would catch things like the Littlies Lobby website which promotes 'Six Key Messages'.

"But I can't see how it could possibly escape Mark Burton's anti-democratic drift net. Under Labour's proposals, even groups advocating on behalf of children would be all but prevented from voicing an opinion.

"Labour is attempting to silence its critics in election year, while spending a small fortune campaigning on the public purse through departmental budgets.

"This is a direct assault on New Zealanders' democratic rights. All New Zealanders should be allowed to take part in the democratic process, but Labour is denying many thousands of groups the opportunity to engage."

Mr English says the anti-democratic proposals also kick for touch on the issue of enforcement, when that was a major issue after the 2005 election.

"Labour promised to consider giving agencies the tools and resources they need to properly police electoral law breaches. This bill is silent on that important issue."

Website link to Littlies Lobby Six Key Messages - http://www.littlieslobby.org.nz/