Last chance to have your say on MMP

by Holly Walker

Public submissions on the MMP Review Proposal Paper close this Friday, so there are only a few days left to have your say on changes to our voting system.

The proposal paper is the last stage of public consultation on MMP, before the Electoral Commission reports their findings to the Minister at the end of October.

The Green Party has submitted on the proposal paper, and we’ve also come up with a submission guide, which summarises some of the main points recommended by the Electoral Commission and the implications these changes might have to the proportionality and fairness of MMP.

Overall, the proposals from the Electoral Commission look encouraging for the future of MMP. Steps like removing the one electorate seat threshold and retaining dual candidacy will help to ensure MMP is a fair system. However, we are concerned about other proposals, such as abolishing the overhang because of the effect this could have on the proportionality of parliament.

It’s important that the Electoral Commission gets feedback from the public on all of these issues, so please take the time to have your say.

Submissions can be made via the post, email, or online at www.mmpreview.org.nz and must be received by Friday 7 September. See the MMP Review website or call 0800 36 76 56 for more information.