Now let's make MMP better

'New Zealanders' decisive vote to keep MMP sends a strong message to the prime minister', says electoral reform campaigner Dr Philip Temple. 'Although Mr Key voted "to get rid of" MMP, a clear majority of voters have said, "No thanks, we don't want to change to a less democratic voting system."'

'New Zealanders continue to endorse the wisdom of the 1986 Royal Commission which recommended MMP as the best system for a country where fairness, representation and consensus underpin our social and political decision-making.'

Dr Temple says, 'But almost all who voted to keep MMP did so on the basis that the system would be improved through the Electoral Commission's review of MMP next year. Made better, for example, by dumping the one-electorate coat-tail rule.'

'It is crucial that as many New Zealanders as possible take part in the 2012 MMP review,' says Dr Temple. 'So that the Electoral Commission's recommended changes can be seen to have the support of the majority. The referendum and review process will not be finished until those changes are implemented in time for the 2014 election.'

Dr Philip Temple has been researching and writing about electoral reform issues, both here and overseas, for more than 20 years. He has been given a Wallace Award by the Electoral Commission for his 'significant contribution to public understanding of electoral matters'.

ENDS

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