media release

Monday 13 AUGUST 2012

Electoral Commission Recommendation Threatens Parliamentary Effectiveness

The Electoral Commission’s recommendation to lower the party vote threshold risks making Parliament less stable and effective.

The lower threshold will mean it is easier for small parties to get into Parliament and harder for Government to form.

Maxim Institute Researcher Kieran Madden says while removing the one seat threshold and overhang provision are good proposals the concern is that lowering the threshold will further split Parliament.

“Ultimately this pushes the balance of power towards smaller parties,” says Madden.

“It makes it more difficult for the Government, to carry out the policies they were voted in for and to last their full term of office.”

Maxim Institute made a submission to the review recommending that the party threshold remain at five percent and the one seat threshold be removed.

ENDS