Modified MMP an option for voters unhappy with ACT situation

Voters have the option of improving MMP next year, a pro-MMP group said today, following comments from the Prime Minister over the ACT situation.

The Prime Minister said at yesterday’s post cabinet press conference that it was his view that ACT’s recent problems would increase the likelihood that people would vote MMP out next year, or mean voters may take the view that MMP isn’t working well.

But Campaign for MMP said today that this overlooked a major aspect of next year’s referendum, which was that voters who chose MMP could do so in the confidence that this triggered a thorough review of it.

“We know that pulling in one or more MPs on the coat tails of a win in one electorate, if a party hasn’t reached 5%, does get up some peoples’ noses,” Campaign for MMP spokesperson Sandra Grey said.

“But this and other concerns people have can be fixed in the review of MMP that the government has already committed to if a majority of people back MMP in 2011.”

Justice Minister Simon Power’s comments at a constitutional conference earlier this month confirmed that voters would be clearly informed about how to achieve a modified MMP, Sandra Grey said.

“The best way to improve MMP is to vote for it in 2011, as this will trigger an independent review. We fully support the government’s commitment to this process.”

“19th Century voting systems like Australia’s and the UK’s aren’t working, and going back to a two-party system is no solution for New Zealand.”

“It’s time to look at how MMP is working, but that doesn’t mean we should throw the baby out with the bathwater,” Sandra Grey said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media