MMP review underway, feedback sought
The Electoral Commission has launched a review of MMP and is seeking public input on how the voting system works.
Commission chief electoral officer Robert Peden said it was a chance for people to have their say on how the system could be improved.
The review was triggered after last year's referendum on the voting system, where a majority of voters supported keeping MMP.
As a result, the commission has to carry out an independent review of MMP and report back to Parliament by the end of October this year.
“It’s easy to get information and have your say,” Mr Peden said.
“ You don’t need to be an expert - just have a view on how MMP might be improved. You can make your submissions by post, online or by email, and can also present your submission at a public hearing.”
The issues the commission must consider in the review are spelt out in the Electoral Referendum Act 2010.
They include what thresholds parties should have to cross to qualify for an allocation of list seats in Parliament, whether list MPs should be able to stand as candidates in a by-election and whether a person should be able to stand as a candidate both for an electorate seat and on a party list.
Other issues that must be considered include whether voters or political parties should decide the order of candidates on a party list, what should happen when a party wins more electorate seats than it would be entitled to under its share of the party vote and the effect of population growth on the ratio of electorate seats to list seats.
The commission can also consider other issues, as long as they relate directly to the way MMP works. Parliament excluded Maori representation and the number of MPs from the review.
Submissions from people wishing to appear at a public hearing need be received by April 5, and all submissions must be received by May 31.
The commission is then required to release a proposal paper on potential changes in August, which the public will be invited to comment on.
A final recommendation paper will then be presented to Justice Minister Judith Collins.
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Comments and questions4
After reading the paper on the weekend re the large group of people entering the age of entitlement to gold cards and super which will utilise an increasing portion of the tax take, I am wondering whether our electoral process doesn't need some age group quota. In the end the difference between being in govt and not is pretty much a 50/50 chance under mmp, and perhaps there is an underlying concern that promising a certain sector of the population may draw self serving voting by the voters. (I am 55 and will be moving into the higher aged bracket in 10 years) My worry is that the tax paying majority group trying to vote on necessary long term strategy could be out voted by older segments voting to maintain the status quo at least until they pass on. Just a thought - I know nothing is perfect.
Remove the "Party List" all members must represent an electorate and be voted in.
Increase the threshold to 7.5% of the vote.
Finally reduce the number of seats to 100.
That should do it nicely.
Legolas.
Just remove altogether.
Just remvoe MMP altogether that is.
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