MONDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2012

MMP Review Leaves Only Two Questions to Be Asked
The Electoral Commission’s Review on the MMP voting system has been released by Justice Minister Judith Collins today.

Maxim Institute congratulates the Commission on the work it has put into the review, and questions only two of its recommendations.

“The MMP review was ultimately about improving representation for New Zealand voters, and ensuring they can trust their electoral system,” says Maxim researcher Kieran Madden.

“While the Commission has recommended keeping the status quo for the party list selection process, Maxim Institute believes opening the list selection process up, at least in part, to the public would give New Zealanders greater confidence in their electoral system.”

Madden said the Commission had also recommended lowering the party vote threshold from five percent to four percent.

“Maxim Institute cannot find any compelling reason for this change. The status quo has so far maintained a good balance between smaller and larger parties being represented in Parliament.”

ENDS

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