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Jeremy Maseyk
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Submitted on 21/02/2012 - 10:16pm relating to the issues Basis for eligibility for list seats (thresholds), By-election candidates, Dual Candidacy, Order of candidates on the list, Overhang, Proportion of electorate seats to list seats
Should the 5% threshold be kept or changed? Why? If you recommend change, what should it be and why?:
The threshold should be reduced to 4%. This was the original recommendation and I believe it is high enough to represent a significant number of voters, yet not so high as to make it difficult for emerging parties to gain representation in the House. We have MMP to provide diversity of values and ideals.
Should the one electorate seat threshold be kept or changed? Why? If you recommend change, what should it be and why?:
The one electoral seat threshold should be increased to two seats. This would indicate that a party has support in more than one electorate and probably therefore wider support throughout the country.
Should there be a different combination of thresholds? What should they be and why?:
If we make the electoral seat threshold two seats and the party vote threshold 4% then there is no need to have a different combination. A party that wins two seats would need to gain 3% of the party vote to gain more list seats.
Should list MPs continue to be able to stand as candidates in by-elections? If so, why?:
Yes, I don't see this as causing a problem. If the voters don't like the candidate they shouldn't vote for them.
Should dual candidacy be kept? If so, why?:
Yes. I don't see this as a major problem. Candidates can make, and perhaps should encouraged, to make a moral decision about whether they are electoral or list candidates.
In an election, should voters be able to alter the order of candidates from the list order decided by political parties?:
No. This would be too difficult to manage and too confusing for most voters. If you don't like the list don't vote for the party.
What should happen when a party wins more electorate seats than it would be entitled to under its share of the party vote?:
Nothing. This is the nature of MMP. It doesn't cause a problem
Is this a problem, and what should be done to fix it?:
No. The number is calculated on a rational basis.