Published: October 21, 2015 · 7:10 AM EDT
A digital activist’s attempt to disrupt traditional power
The Internet Party founded by German-born entrepreneur Kim Dotcom reached the required threshold of 500 members to become officially registered ahead of New Zealand’s general elections. According to party sources, the milestone was achieved just hours after its launch, held at Dotcom’s mansion on the outskirts of Auckland.
In an interview with Radio New Zealand, party CEO Vikram Kumar confirmed the rapid membership surge. The party’s principles focus on expanding internet access nationwide with faster and more affordable services, fostering high-tech job creation, protecting privacy, and defending national independence.
The announcement followed media attention surrounding Dotcom’s admission of owning a rare copy of Adolf Hitler’s book “Mein Kampf.” Dotcom stated that as a fan of the video game Call of Duty, he collects memorabilia related to the Second World War, including items connected to Churchill, Stalin, and Hitler.
Although Dotcom is not a New Zealand citizen and therefore cannot run as a candidate, he leads the movement as party president. The Internet Party aimed to secure at least five percent of the national vote in the September election, an early electoral date compared to previous years.
Dotcom remains free on conditional bail while awaiting an extradition hearing requested by the United States, scheduled for July. He has publicly criticized the New Zealand government, especially after it was revealed that a national intelligence agency had illegally spied on him.
New Zealand’s elections take place every three years. Under the electoral system, a political party must secure 61 of the 120 seats in Parliament to form a government and appoint a Prime Minister.
