Mixed member proportional

Definition

Mixed member proportional (MMP) is an electoral system that combines first-past-the-post voting with proportional representation, allowing voters to cast two votes: one for a candidate in their local constituency and another for a political party. This system aims to ensure that the overall representation in the legislature reflects the proportion of votes received by each party, making it a fairer approach to democracy by balancing local and party representation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. MMP was first introduced in Germany in the 1990s and has since been adopted by several other countries, including New Zealand.
2. Under MMP, voters have two separate ballots, one for their preferred local candidate and another for their preferred political party, which enhances voter choice.
3. The proportional aspect of MMP helps smaller parties gain representation in the legislature, which can lead to a more diverse political landscape.
4. Critics argue that MMP can lead to coalition governments that may be unstable or result in compromises that dilute party platforms.
5. MMP has been praised for its ability to reduce wasted votes, as even if a voter's preferred candidate does not win, their party vote still contributes to overall representation.

Review Questions

• How does mixed member proportional (MMP) enhance voter choice compared to traditional electoral systems?
  • Mixed member proportional enhances voter choice by allowing individuals to cast two votes: one for a local candidate and another for a political party. This dual voting system enables voters to express preferences for both their immediate representative and their preferred political ideology. As a result, even if their chosen local candidate doesn't win, they still contribute to the overall representation of their preferred party in the legislature.
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of implementing mixed member proportional as an electoral system.
  • The advantages of mixed member proportional include increased representation for smaller parties, reduced wasted votes, and a legislature that better reflects voter preferences. However, disadvantages can include the potential for unstable coalition governments and complex ballot structures that may confuse voters. Balancing these pros and cons is crucial when considering MMP's adoption as it affects the political landscape and governance.
• Analyze the impact of mixed member proportional on political diversity within legislatures compared to first-past-the-post systems.
  • Mixed member proportional significantly increases political diversity within legislatures compared to first-past-the-post systems. By allowing parties to gain seats based on their overall vote share rather than just local victories, MMP provides smaller parties with opportunities for representation that they might not achieve under first-past-the-post. This leads to a more varied legislative body that can better reflect the population's diverse views and interests, fostering broader discussions and potentially more inclusive policy-making.

Related terms

First-past-the-post: An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, without requiring a majority.

Proportional representation: An electoral system designed to allocate seats in the legislature in proportion to the number of votes each party receives.

Party list: A list of candidates provided by political parties, which voters can select when voting for proportional representation.