Pages tagged with: mmp

In 1993 New Zealanders voted to replace their traditional first past the post (FPP) voting system with mixed member proportional representation (MMP). Eighteen years on, as Kiwis voted in a new electoral referendum, we explore how and why that dramatic reform came about.

From 1853 until 1993 (apart from 1908–13) New Zealand elections were held under the first past the post (FPP) or plurality system.

During the 1981 and 1984 campaigns, Labour promised to set up a Royal Commission to look into a wide range of issues relating to the electoral system.

Although only 55% of electors took part in a referendum, an overwhelming 85% voted to change their electoral system. In the second part of the poll, 70% favoured mixed member proportional representation (MMP). As Labour leader Mike Moore put it: 'The people didn't speak on Saturday. They screamed.'

The three years following the 1993 referendum, before the first MMP election in 1996, were ones of transition and uncertainty.

Cover of the 1986 Electoral Commission report

It took a while for television to make its mark on New Zealand elections, but since the 1980s the small screen has become the decisive election battleground.

Jubilant Labour supporters hoist leader David Lange into the air on the night of the snap election on 14 July 1984.

This poster from the 1993 referendum campaign is in support of mixed member proportional representation (MMP).

As 1996 and the first mixed member proportional representation (MMP) election approached, the recently established Electoral Commission and other electoral agencies co-ordinated an extensive campaign of public education.

Polling booth sign on election day