New Zealand Election and methods of democracy - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Markboy · 09-13-2005, 05:50 PM

Ok, I know this is a very dangerous way to start on the boards, having the gumption to post my own thread, and moreover to post in the Politics forum, but this is what is uppermost in my mind at the moment, and so I felt compelled to seek out opinion.

New Zealand goes to the polls this coming Saturday in one of the closest contested elections in recent times. About 12 years ago now, New Zealand changed its polling methodology from the traditional First Past the Post (2 party system, whoever gets more votes wins), to MMP (a 2-vote system, where 1 vote is cast for your electorate MP, and 1 vote is cast for one of approximately 6 parties, which covers their respective representation in parliament). More detailed information on MMP can be found at http://www.elections.org.nz/mmp/two_ticks_too_easy.html

I guess what I am interested in is people's comments on this particular method of electing a government, and also if people know enough about the individual parties over here to comment. I'll try to post a more detailed break-down of the individual parties' views later.

And to all those who feel that elections in another country have no bearing on them, I would point out that in this global society, one country's views on trade, economics, immigration, security, defence, and foreign affairs can actually have a noticeable effect on another country's society... Here in New Zealand we have definitely felt the effects of the elections held in our close trading partners (US, UK, Australia), as well as an impact from trade decisions made in the SE Asian countries, and I do not believe this is a one-way effect.

So in closing, please excuse my impudence of posting this as a noobie, but I am fascinated to hear people's responses...

Charlatan · 09-13-2005, 07:15 PM

I don't know enough about it to comment on MMP but I am sick of the results that first past the post guarantees. We need to look at new ways of counting our votes so the high percentage of voters who don't vote for the winner receive some sort of representation.

Markboy · 09-13-2005, 07:40 PM

MMP has created some really interesting results, and has seen some minority parties having a means of expression hitherto impossible. However oddly enough, this current election is really coming down to a 2 party race again, as which ever of the two main parties gains the most seats is going to be in the best position to form a coalition, with several of the minority parties flip-flopping from left to right...

09-13-2005, 05:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
Markboy Upright Location: Auckland, NZ	New Zealand Election and methods of democracy Ok, I know this is a very dangerous way to start on the boards, having the gumption to post my own thread, and moreover to post in the Politics forum, but this is what is uppermost in my mind at the moment, and so I felt compelled to seek out opinion. New Zealand goes to the polls this coming Saturday in one of the closest contested elections in recent times. About 12 years ago now, New Zealand changed its polling methodology from the traditional First Past the Post (2 party system, whoever gets more votes wins), to MMP (a 2-vote system, where 1 vote is cast for your electorate MP, and 1 vote is cast for one of approximately 6 parties, which covers their respective representation in parliament). More detailed information on MMP can be found at http://www.elections.org.nz/mmp/two_ticks_too_easy.html I guess what I am interested in is people's comments on this particular method of electing a government, and also if people know enough about the individual parties over here to comment. I'll try to post a more detailed break-down of the individual parties' views later. And to all those who feel that elections in another country have no bearing on them, I would point out that in this global society, one country's views on trade, economics, immigration, security, defence, and foreign affairs can actually have a noticeable effect on another country's society... Here in New Zealand we have definitely felt the effects of the elections held in our close trading partners (US, UK, Australia), as well as an impact from trade decisions made in the SE Asian countries, and I do not believe this is a one-way effect. So in closing, please excuse my impudence of posting this as a noobie, but I am fascinated to hear people's responses...

09-13-2005, 07:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	I don't know enough about it to comment on MMP but I am sick of the results that first past the post guarantees. We need to look at new ways of counting our votes so the high percentage of voters who don't vote for the winner receive some sort of representation. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

09-13-2005, 07:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
Markboy Upright Location: Auckland, NZ	MMP has created some really interesting results, and has seen some minority parties having a means of expression hitherto impossible. However oddly enough, this current election is really coming down to a 2 party race again, as which ever of the two main parties gains the most seats is going to be in the best position to form a coalition, with several of the minority parties flip-flopping from left to right...