The majority of New Zealand has again thrown its support behind MMP, but the close result will mean a serious review by the Electoral Commission. As well as casting the usual party and electorate votes on Saturday, voters were also asked if they thought the country should keep MMP or, if not, what alternative system they would prefer.
With only 290,000 advance votes so far counted, a total of 53.7 per cent back sticking with the mixed member proportional system, while 42.6 per cent said they wanted a change. It could take a further two weeks to count all votes.
The inner workings of the electoral system were in full effect on Saturday night. National won almost half the seats in Parliament, but the party’s lack of a substantial coalition partner means it still needs the support of UnitedFuture, ACT and the Maori Party to form a comfortable majority.
While Labour suffered its worst defeat in decades, good results from possible partners NZ First and the Greens meant a closer result than many had suggested.
Left-leaning political commentator Chris Trotter said the final makeup of the party seats was a fair reflection of where the country was at. “[John Key] is going to be able to govern comfortably, I don’t think he’s at any risk, quite frankly, and that’s very good for him.”
Full Article: MMP | Serious review to follow close result | Stuff.co.nz.