Adoption of MMP
Critically review the arguments advanced for the adoption of the MMP system, and – in the context of the present review of MMP- for changes to the way in which MMP works.
In 1993 New Zealanders voted in a referendum to change their voting system from First-Past-the-Post (FFP) to the MMP (Mixed Member Proportional) voting system. Since the adoption New Zealand has had seven MMP elections and although the system has widespread approval there are strong arguments both for and against the MMP system. In 2011 a Referendum was held in conjunction with the general election, the results of this clearly showed that the majority of the population agree with MMP as their current voting system. A minority was unhappy with MMP and as a result, a review of MMP and the ways it can be improved to suit a larger majority of the population is being carried out. I think that the current voting system of MMP provides a well balanced approach to voting and represents the minorities more proportionately then FPP (First Past the Post), encompassing more accurately the views of the country as a whole. While MMP works well for New Zealand, many people have opposing views and this is why the review is happening.
In early 1985 the Royal Commission began to investigate the New Zealand’s electoral problems and seek a solution. The investigation analyzed the current FPP system in relation to the Royal Commission’s 10 criteria and was completed in December 1986. The report’s findings were considerably strong backing for a change in the voting system, citing the German-style MMP system as a viable solution. The MMP system allows each elector two votes instead of one, one vote for their favored parliamentary party and one for an electorate MP. The findings of the referendum in 1993 showed a desire for change from the current FPP voting system. The want for electoral reform began in 1950 due to a decrease in political and parliamentary trust. The movement gained backing in the 1970’s and
In 1993 New Zealanders voted in a referendum to change their voting system from First-Past-the-Post (FFP) to the MMP (Mixed Member Proportional) voting system. Since the adoption New Zealand has had seven MMP elections and although the system has widespread approval there are strong arguments both for and against the MMP system. In 2011 a Referendum was held in conjunction with the general election, the results of this clearly showed that the majority of the population agree with MMP as their current voting system. A minority was unhappy with MMP and as a result, a review of MMP and the ways it can be improved to suit a larger majority of the population is being carried out. I think that the current voting system of MMP provides a well balanced approach to voting and represents the minorities more proportionately then FPP (First Past the Post), encompassing more accurately the views of the country as a whole. While MMP works well for New Zealand, many people have opposing views and this is why the review is happening.
In early 1985 the Royal Commission began to investigate the New Zealand’s electoral problems and seek a solution. The investigation analyzed the current FPP system in relation to the Royal Commission’s 10 criteria and was completed in December 1986. The report’s findings were considerably strong backing for a change in the voting system, citing the German-style MMP system as a viable solution. The MMP system allows each elector two votes instead of one, one vote for their favored parliamentary party and one for an electorate MP. The findings of the referendum in 1993 showed a desire for change from the current FPP voting system. The want for electoral reform began in 1950 due to a decrease in political and parliamentary trust. The movement gained backing in the 1970’s and