The speaker argues that prisoners have a right to vote, citing the Bill of Rights in New Zealand's Constitution. They contend that there are no justifiable reasons to deny this essential right and that courts can declare inconsistencies with the right to vote if such reasons do not exist. The speaker also references the social contract theory, stating that sovereign power belongs to citizens and that parliament should exercise its powers in a fair manner beneficial to all. Additionally, they argue that the rule of law requires that public power be exercised fairly and uniformly, and that any legislation that disregards human rights is against the rule of law. The speaker concludes by urging members of parliament to reject the bill before them as it is contrary to constitutional principles and limits fundamental rights.
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