Analysis of New Zealand's Electoral System Change

Abstract

In 1993 New Zealand held a binding referendum to change the voting system from first past the post (FPP) to mixed member proportional representation (MMP). The referendum was passed in favour of MMP, with 53.9% support. Based on results from the New Zealand Election Study, social, political and ideological factors which influenced voter’s decisions, were identified. Support for the incumbent center-right National Party, opinions on the outcome of an election and how Parliament should be structured, were among the most important factors. Follow up studies should examine the long term impacts on government and voter satisfaction in New Zealand in the 21 years since the first MMP voting system election was held. Based on these results there should also be further studies examining other nations that have changed their voting systems as a result of referendums should be studied

Discipline: Statistics

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Karen Buro