MMP Referendum

[perceptualChaos]

As I'm sure most of you know, there is going to be a referendum together with the election next month on whether or not to keep the MMP system. Here's a short history on the change from FPP to MMP, and the main referendum page which gives a basic description of MMP and the proposed alternatives. Also, an interview with a proponent and opponent of change.

 

I haven't decided 100% yet... I think the proportional representation offered by MMP is good in a lot of ways, but the idea of needing to form coalitions every election is a bit fucked because we tend to end up with a compromised government that nobody voted for. The SM system is used (for example) in Japan, and is somewhat of a compromise between MMP and FPP that puts less emphasis on the party vote (30/120 seats) with the rest determined by FPP. I think the SM system is probably the lesser evil, but it looks like MMP will probably stay.

 

It's a relatively complex issue, but what are your thoughts?

[Nato]

I'm saying keep MMP because the more we confuse the voting masses the more likely it is we'll end up back at FPP.

[Dr Awesome]

STV.

or... DOC

[perceptualChaos]

STV

 

I may not have gotten a lot of work done today, but I did learn that there is an Irish political party called Fianna Fail!

 

 

Seriously though... STV looks better than MMP, but I think most of the NZ public will be in the TL;DR boat unfortunately.

[Known One]

Anything except FPP. Will be voting for the improved version of MMP myself.

[Subverse]

Anything except FPP. Will be voting for the improved version of MMP myself.

 

Me too. God knows we can't afford to go back to FPP. The concept of governments having to compromise power works both ways, for the good and bad - just as we usually aren't able to have drastic reforms, the crazy ass policies tend to get shot down as well, resulting in a mediated version of what either leading party tends to want.