Anti-MMP campaign launched

Published: 7:53PM Tuesday June 28, 2011 Source: ONE News

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Opponents of MMP have launched a campaign to scrap the electoral system, claiming it gives too much power to minor parties.

A referendum on the system is to be held at the same time as November's General Election.

The Vote For Change group is aiming to use the opportunity to scrap Mixed Member Proportional (MMP).

They claim small parties are given too much power because even if their candidates do not win electorate seats, they can still win party votes and ultimately broker deals to decide who becomes Prime Minister.

"How is it fair when we have those parties on five to ten percent... determining who wins an election?" Jordan Williams from the campaign said.

Williams said this was the case when New Zealand First proved to be decisive in the outcome of the 1996 and 2005 elections.

"How is it fair that Winston Peters in two elections now - possibly a third time at this election - chooses who the Prime Minister is?"

However, Labour and the Greens are keen to keep the system as it is.

"MMP is a system where every vote counts," Russell Norman from the Greens said.

"It is by far and away the fairest system it means you have better representation of women Maori, Asian New Zealanders, Pasifika New Zealanders."

Labour leader Phil Goff claims opposition to MMP is coming from right wing business interests.

"Perhaps they feel that the political system is easier for them to control if they've got a first past the post system rather than a multi-party system," he said.

Voters will be asked in November if they want to keep MMP or would prefer a different system.

If they do not, the alternatives are First Past the Post, Preferential Voting, Single Transferable Vote and Supplementary Member.

If there is a vote for change then the most popular of the alternative systems will go head to head with MMP at the the 2014 election.

For more information on the options click here.

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