BUDGET 2011

Media Release: Campaign for MMP
Thursday May 19, 2011

Extra funding for MMP referendum education welcomed

Campaign for MMP has today welcomed additional funding for the Electoral Commission to educate the public about the upcoming MMP referendum.

Appropriations to the new Electoral Commission, incorporating the former Chief Electoral Office, have risen from 28 million to 35 million in today’s Budget.

“It is crucial that there is a thorough public information campaign in the lead up to the 2011 referendum. We are pleased to see the Electoral Commission has been funded to do this,” Campaign for MMP spokesperson Sandra Grey said.

An important aspect of the education campaign will be letting voters know how to achieve a modified MMP, she said.

“60 per cent of voters in last week’s UMR poll supported MMP or a modified MMP.”

“It essential that voters understand the best way to make MMP even better is to vote for it, as this will trigger an independent review.”

“This means New Zealand can have a proper look at how MMP is working, but not throw the baby out with the bathwater."

“MMP has been running well for 5 elections, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be made even better,” Sandra Grey said.

ENDS

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