Long-time MMP campaigner says history repeats itself

A Murray Ball cartoon from 18 years ago reminds New Zealanders where this year's anti-MMP campaign has come from, as they prepare to vote in Saturday’s electoral referendum.

Murray Ball gifted this iconic Footrot Flats cartoon to the movement fighting for MMP back in 1993. ‘The same people are behind the anti-MMP campaign this year and the cartoon has never been more relevant,’ says long-time MMP campaigner Philip Temple.

“The current anti-MMP campaign is backed by the Business Round Table, Peter Shirtcliffe and Don Brash and, once again, undeclared donors. The young frontman, Jordan Williams, was in the media earlier this year managing Don Brash’s takeover of the ACT Party. This is not a push for change from ordinary New Zealanders.”

Dr Temple says it is important everyone votes to keep MMP in Saturday’s referendum, so that we can move on and fix up any issues we have with it. ‘A vote to Keep MMP triggers an independent review by the Electoral Commission. And whoever is government would be brave and foolish indeed to ignore its recommendations to improve MMP in time for the 2014 election.’

Dr Temple says to ignore the naysayers and tick the Keep MMP box on Part A of the referendum ballot paper. ‘Wal’s message is as fresh as ever. Look who’s telling you not to.’

Philip Temple has been researching and writing about voting systems since 1990. He was given a Wallace Award by the Electoral Commission for his ‘significant contribution to public understanding of electoral matters.’

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