19 September 2007

MMP for export - to Canada

The Green Party is welcoming the anniversary of the referendum on New Zealand's voting system, which heralded the move away from the old two-party system and towards electoral reform.

"This date is an auspicious one in the history of our democracy - not only does it commemorate Suffrage Day, but it marks the date of the first referendum on electoral reform," Green Party Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says.

The first referendum, which took place on the 19 September, 1992, showed an overwhelming desire to shift away from the confines of the First Past the Post system, with 85 percent voting for change.

"My colleague Rod Donald was an avid supporter of MMP and fronted the TV campaign for a fairer system. I believe he would be pleased with the progress we are making towards a fairer and more just system of representation. Since its introduction the numbers of Maori, women and minorities represented in Parliament have increased significantly, in a way that better represents society. Furthermore, it is widely acknowledged that the impact of MMP on Parliamentary processes, such as Select Committees, has enhanced the robustness of democratic engagement for all New Zealanders.

"Despite some growing pains, MMP is maturing well, and all parties - especially the minor parties - are becoming more expert in using it collaboratively to achieve common goals.

Recent examples include the successful push by the Greens, Maori Party, United Future and Act to scrap the archaic sedition laws, and the unlikely combination of Keith Locke and Rodney Hide campaigning successfully against the proposed Auckland waterfront stadium.

Jeanette is travelling to Canada on Saturday to spend a week on a public speaking tour hosted by her Ontario Green counterparts, sharing her knowledge and experiences around operating under MMP.

Ontarians will be given the chance to vote for a MMP electoral system in conjunction with the upcoming provincial election on October 10th, via nonbinding referendum.

ENDS

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