MMP referendum questions released

The historic seating of the first NZ MMP Parliament, 12 December 1996. Photo / NZH

The Government has released proposed wording for next year's referendum on MMP.

The proposed questions are:

Part A

Should the current MMP voting system be retained?

*I vote to retain the MMP voting system

*I vote to change to another voting system.

Part B

Regardless of how you voted under part A, if there was a change to another voting system, which voting system would you choose?

*I would choose the First Past the Past system.

*I would choose the Preferential Voting system.

*I would choose the Single Transferable Vote system.

*I would choose the Supplementary Member system.

Voters can choose to answer one or both questions.

If a majority don't want to retain MMP, a second, binding referendum will be held with the 2014 general election asking voters to choose between MMP and the preferred option chosen in the first referendum.

Justice Minister Simon Power said the bill containing the question would be sent to select committee for consideration.

A summary of the different electoral systems that the 2011 referendum would put up as alternatives to MMP:

First Past The Post.
New Zealand's electoral system until 1996 with voters casting one vote for an MP standing in the electorate they live in. The MP with most votes is elected to Parliament. Some countries use a run-off system where a second round of voting is held between the two highest polling candidates if the first vote does not result in an absolute majority of more than 50 per cent.

Preferential Vote
Voters rank candidates in an electorate in order of preference, as the votes are counted the candidate with the least number of first choice votes is eliminated and the voters second preference is then cast. This process is continued until one candidate has a majority.

Single Transferable Vote
A form of preferential vote using multi-seat constituencies with voters indicating their preferences and after candidates are elected or eliminated the voters second preference is cast and all eligible candidates gain a majority.

Supplementary Member
Voters elect a certain number of MPs in a straight first past the post electorate races. A number of MPs

are also elected from party lists depending on the proportion of votes the party gains. This can be done through a second vote or using the vote for the electorate candidate as an indication of party preference

MMP (Mixed Member Proportional)
Two votes are cast. One for an electorate MP decided in a first past the post contest and a second for a party. The overall make-up of Parliament is direct proportion to just the party vote.

- NZPA