Bolger's bane: proportional representation could hurt ruling party

Article Abstract:

New Zealand is holding elections in 1996 and Jim Bolger, Prime Minister, emphasises the government's achievements such as low inflation, economic growth and an increase in jobs. There are protests and strikes in the public sector and support for the National Party is decreasing, according to opinion polls. The Labour Party began reforms but has reverted to a more welfare-oriented stance. New Zealand First, led by Winston Peters, could set up an alliance with Labour to form a government, though there are disagreements over economic policy. Proportional representation will give more power to smaller parties.

Proportional representation, National Party (New Zealand)

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Breach of promise

Article Abstract:

The fortunes of the New Zealand First Party have declined rapidly since the first half of 1996, when it was much stronger than the Labour party. The Labour party is now supported by more than 40% of those polled, while the New Zealand First Party stands at only 4%. The party's support has been eroded by the fact that party leader Winston Peters' criticism of the National Party in the pre-election period did not lead to his party becoming part of an anti-National Party coalition. Furthermore, Peters has made the mistake of abandoning his nationalist economic stance.

Political organizations, Peters, Winston, New Zealand First Party

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New rules for elections

Article Abstract:

Results of a referendum held in New Zealand on Sep 19, 1992, showed that voters wanted to change the method by which the members of parliament can be elected. The present setup allows the National and Labor parties to control the single-chamber parliament. In the referendum, 70% of voters opted to elect their parliamentarians through the proportional mixed-member system. Under such a system, half of New Zealand's legislators will be elected directly while the other half will be elected through their political parties.

Elections, Legislative bodies

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