A referendum on MMP

Despite being picked as the best system by a Citizen’s Jury (which would be a preferable way to draft electoral law in NZ than have Pete Hodgson do it) the voters of Ontario rejected MMP.  It got only 36.9% support and a majority in just 5/107 ridings.

Don Brash writes at the Centre for Political Research, that 11 years on it is time for another referendum on MMP.  I agree that the electoral system is smething which should be decided by the public, not by MPs. And that at the 2011 election, that will have been 15 years – more than long enough to have the public make an informed decision.

Now if it was a choice between going back to FPP or staying with MMP, I would vote to stay with MMP.  The fact I support the public having a say, doesn’t mean I back change. Don Brash also says he would not vote to go back to FPP.

The major advantages of MMP has been that every vote counts to some degree (if they make threshold) and that the use of List MPs has allowed for a far more balanced and diverse Parliament.   I would not surrender those lightly.

The downside has been the disproportionate power given to parties like NZ First who effectively choose the Government as often as not.

If there was another referendum,  it need not be MMP vs FPP.  I assume it would be a two stage process like in 92/93 where one would select a contender in one vote, and then have a direct face off.  I’d love to see say an STV vs MMP choice or even a SM vs MMP choice.

STV is not very well suited to choosing a health board or local authority members.  But it can work well with national elections, and with Mayoral elections.