Rob George

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Submitted on 11/03/2012 - 7:33pm 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?:

I support the 5% threshold being reduced to something like 3.5 to 4%. This allows for a meaningful number of party votes to count in the make up of Parliament whilst still placing a reasonable threshold of public support on a parties access to Parliament.

Should the one electorate seat threshold be kept or changed? Why? If you recommend change, what should it be and why?:

With the threshold being lowered I support the abolition of the current rule whereby an MP who wins an electorate seat can bring other MPs into Parliament without needing to reach the party % threshold.

Should there be a different combination of thresholds? What should they be and why?:

A candidate winning an electorate seat would still have access to parliament. Local candidates who have strong electorate support would continue to have access to parliament. Further party seats however would only be allocated when a meaningful threshold is met. Parties without a reasonable support base would not benefit from the support given to one candidate in one electorate.

Should list MPs continue to be able to stand as candidates in by-elections? If so, why?: