Electorate Seats under MMP

We all know that it is the total number of seats that determines the Government under MMP. But that doesn’t mean who holds electorates is unimportant. Holding an electorate seat gives a party and its MP profile and status in their area. They are the official electorate MP. They often have columns in the local newspaper. They have offices. They get more resources than List MPs. They get invited to many many more functions.

So under the eight MMP elections, how have National and Labour done in terms of electorate seats.

• 1996 – National 30, Labour 26
• 1999 – National 22, Labour 41
• 2002 – National 21, Labour 45
• 2005 – National 31, Labour 31
• 2008 – National 41, Labour 21
• 2011 – National 42, Labour 22
• 2014 – National 41, Labour 27
• 2017 – National 41, Labour 29

In terms of the general seats only, National has basically double the number of general seats than Labour – 41 to 22. So if NZ First does pick Labour then two thirds of the country will live in an area represented by an opposition MP. That doesn’t mean the Government is in anyway illegitimate – but it does mean if National is in opposition they will have a very strong electoral base to attack the Government from.

In 1999 National had only 22 seats and in 2008 Labour had just 21 seats. To some degree the phone was off the hook for them. But a National led opposition (if it occurs) in 2017 will have a very strong base to attack from.