Abstract
This chapter provides a critical analysis of the Mixed Member Proportional system, using the New Zealand experience as a case study. Using a cross-time approach, it examines the transition from the FPTP system (1856–1993) to the MMP system (1996–2008) in New Zealand. It also highlights the reasons for New Zealand’s abandonment of the FPTP electoral system, and the contributions made by the Royal Commission on the Electoral Reform in changing the political landscape in New Zealand. Finally, it provides an overview how MMP works, and the representational benefits that have been derived by women, and other underrepresented groups in New Zealand.
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Notes
- 1.
New Zealand used FPTP from 1853 to 1996.
- 2.
In New Zealand and Australia, electorate refers to the area represented by one Member of Parliament.
- 3.
There are usually six to eight parties present in New Zealand’s House of Representatives. These include: ACT New Zealand, Green Party, Labour Party, Mana Party, Māori Party, National Party, New Zealand First, United Future and Alliance.
- 4.
The Ministry for Women’s Affairs is now called the Women’s Ministry.
- 5.
The referendum in 1992 saw a 53.5 % turnout rate.
- 6.
Under MMP, a party is entitled to a number of seats based on its shares of the total nationwide party vote. If a party is entitled to 10 seats, but wins only seven electorates, it will be awarded three list seats, bringing it up to its required number. This only works, however, if the party’s seat entitlement is greater than (or equal to) the number of electorates it won. If, for example, a party’s share of the overall party vote entitles it to five seats, but it wins six electorates, the sixth seat is called an overhang seat.
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Johnson-Myers, TA. (2017). Mixed Member Proportional System in New Zealand. In: The Mixed Member Proportional System: Providing Greater Representation for Women?. SpringerBriefs in Political Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-44314-0_3
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