Mixed-member proportional

Definition

Mixed-member proportional (MMP) is an electoral system that combines first-past-the-post voting with proportional representation, allowing voters to cast two votes: one for a candidate in their local electorate and another for a political party. This system aims to balance the need for local representation with the desire for a parliament that reflects the overall preferences of the electorate, creating a more equitable representation of political parties in the legislature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. MMP was introduced in New Zealand after a referendum in 1993, significantly changing how elections are conducted and how representatives are elected.
2. Under MMP, New Zealand's parliament consists of both electorate MPs and list MPs, ensuring that the overall composition of parliament reflects party vote proportions.
3. The system helps smaller parties gain representation in parliament, which can lead to a more diverse and multi-faceted political landscape.
4. Voters in MMP systems often feel more empowered since they can support a local candidate while still backing their preferred party without fear of wasting their vote.
5. MMP has led to coalition governments becoming more common in New Zealand, as no single party often gains an outright majority in elections.

Review Questions

• How does mixed-member proportional representation differ from traditional first-past-the-post systems?
  • Mixed-member proportional representation differs from first-past-the-post systems by allowing voters to cast two votes: one for a local candidate and another for a political party. In first-past-the-post systems, the candidate with the most votes wins without consideration for overall party vote shares. MMP aims to create a legislature that accurately reflects the proportion of votes each party receives, making it more inclusive and representative compared to traditional voting methods.
• Discuss the implications of MMP on New Zealand's political landscape and party representation.
  • The implementation of MMP in New Zealand has significantly reshaped its political landscape by allowing smaller parties to gain representation in parliament. This has resulted in a more diverse array of voices and perspectives within the legislature, facilitating coalition governments that reflect broader public interests. The proportional nature of MMP ensures that party vote shares are mirrored in parliamentary seats, fostering inclusivity and enhancing democratic governance.
• Evaluate how mixed-member proportional representation has influenced voter engagement and political participation in New Zealand.
  • Mixed-member proportional representation has had a positive impact on voter engagement and political participation in New Zealand by empowering citizens to express their preferences more fully. With the ability to vote for both a local candidate and a political party, voters feel their choices carry more weight, leading to increased turnout and interest in elections. Additionally, the presence of smaller parties encourages wider discussions about issues, making politics more relevant and accessible to everyday citizens.

Related terms

Proportional Representation: An electoral system where parties gain seats in the legislature in proportion to the number of votes they receive, ensuring that minority parties are represented.

First-Past-The-Post: A plurality voting system where the candidate with the most votes in a single-member district wins, often leading to a mismatch between the percentage of votes received and the number of seats won.

Electorate: A geographical area from which a candidate is elected to represent in parliament, each having its own electoral contest in an MMP system.