Electorate MPs too often only reflect the party affiliation of their electorate. If an electorate is a "safe seat" an "electorate vote" is basically valueless.
MMP was selected to provide fundamental fairness and democratic integrity. Four parliamentary terms of stable, workable governance later those objectives have clearly been achieved. MMP might not be the choice of politicians or interest groups - but it works for the voters.
R Davidson, Tauranga
Baubles of office
Based on his past performance how could anyone possibly believe that Winston Peters will not accept the baubles of office if ever given the opportunity again.
He could not be trusted then and he cannot be trusted now.
I suggest that everyone thinks very carefully November 26.
Mike Baker, Bethlehem
Warning
It's fascinating that during our electioneering to arrange who will govern us for the next three years, and how in future this is to be done, unexpected events have occurred or are occurring in so many other countries where citizens are demonstrating or revolting against their leaders. That this unrest is taking place somewhere capitalism and democracy is held most dearly must, therefore, provide a warning to all leaders.
Examining our electioneering there has been little evidence that lessons are being learnt from these dramatic events. Prospective politicians or parties don't appear to be worried, or considering causes behind such unrest, and I wonder whether this is wise. Lack of actions and decisions fostering democracy and fairness are generally behind the citizens' revolts, but here electioneering policies seems more about power and control.
There seems to be little evidence that those standing are planning to combine the strengths of all the 120 elected, to address the challenges our country faces - something that every vote deserves.
Hugh Hughes, Mount Maunganui
FPP tried and true
Further to comments regarding the referendum on the voting system, may I put a word in for the old tried and true First Past the Post? There seems to be a number of people who think it possible for all to be winners with MMP, all to have a say in political decisions with MMP.
This is impossible. As much as many people would believe the opposite, everybody speaking at once is mayhem. A majority vote in a said constituency should win, and that should be the end of it.
Since it is convenient to have constituencies in which candidates compete to win a seat in Parliament, why shouldn't the best man win that has the most votes? Isn't it tough if for many with aspiring thoughts on leadership fail to get the numbers?
To add up the losers country-wide after the event and find they are more than the winners is irrelevant, since the winners of all the local constituencies have rightly won the day. The local territorial area in which everybody resides will have a democratically elected representative.
Roy Smith,Tauranga
Not decisive
The world economy is not in a good shape, and New Zealand is not immune to the state of overseas economies.
This situation will not change quickly and a multi-year period of painful recovery is ahead.
During such times it is essential to have a decisive government, as tough decisions will need to be made.
Under MMP the result of an election will usually be a coalition Government.
This is a result of the Party Vote, allowing a significant number of minority seats in Parliament.
A coalition Government rarely produces decisive Government, there are too many divergent interests, all decisions are a compromise, to please all parties.
Voters should think very carefully about how they use their party vote at this election, bearing in mind that a party vote for any minority party, will ensure weak indecisive Government in the next Parliament, just when New Zealand will need strong Government.
The only sensible solution is to give your party vote to a major party, to ensure that New Zealand ends up after the election, with a strong Government.
This will ensure that New Zealand gets decisive Government, during what is certain to be a difficult period of several years.
Party vote - major party only.
Graham Beaumont, Tauranga
We need Winston
Latest moves in establishing Italy's new government with an economist as Prime Minister and his cabinet of no elected ministers, many of them bankers is a great reason why we need Winston Peters in government.
Winston in Parliament provides a questioning conscience to the National or Labour Government focussed only on control.
His influence is only "destabilising" as John Key says in that his questioning and support for New Zealand people challenges Mr Key's agenda of implementing IMF policy which channels more dollars for a few corporate giants in particular the banks by enslavement of the majority of people through debt.
Let's face it our Government has been operating as a corporate for a number of years, irrespective, of what you have been told or believe.
With the election coming up be very careful before you vote, like who is in whose pocket.
Those who are creating the fear about the economy only distracts from their long-term plan of total control. What motivates the banks is total control of our economy and definitely not the quality of life for the average Kiwi family.
Fred Stewart, Papamoa
Gate crashers
Those candidates who gate-crashed Simon Bridges public meeting should be ashamed of themselves. They had no respect for Simon or the public who wanted to ask him questions. All they were interested in was themselves and how loud and self-important they could be.
Why would you waste your vote on selfish immature candidates like them? I certainly wouldn't.
Jude Ratcliffe, Tauranga
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