The 1996 election in New Zealand
Article Abstract:
New Zealand's first election under a mixed member proportional (MMP) system, held Oct 12, 1996, brought about a coalition government between the New Zealand First and National parties, instead of a National victory as would have occurred under the old first-past-the-post system. MMP promoters claimed the system would create a more representative Parliament, which it did with more Maoris and Pacific Islanders being elected. Increased voter turnout, however, did not occur. Despite coalition problems and election rhetoric, the MMP system brought about a more center rather than left or right government.
Publication Name: Current Affairs Bulletin
Subject: General interest
ISSN: 0011-3182
Year: 1997
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Western Australian election 1996; a new era dawns?
Article Abstract:
The Dec 14, 1996 election in Western Australia ended predictably, with the Coalition still in power, but it also saw the rise of minority and independent parties. The Labor Party faced several problems, the biggest being to distance itself from past fiscal policy, and it publicly conceded defeat before the 14th as a political strategy to gain sympathy or protest votes against the Coalition. Australian Democrats, the Greens, Australia First, and the Australian Marijuana parties all contested for seats, forcing the Coalition and Labor to defend former safe constituencies.
Publication Name: Current Affairs Bulletin
Subject: General interest
ISSN: 0011-3182
Year: 1997
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Mirroring the Nation? Electoral systems and the representation of women
Article Abstract:
Women and minorities have an increased chance of election under multiparty or proportional representation (PR) systems. This was shown in New Zealand's 1996 election, which was a transition from a two-party, single-member constituency system to a PR system. In other countries, only in ones with PR systems have women been elected to over 30% of the seats. France shows the digression of changing from a PR to single constituency system. Women legislators ' membership has dropped to 1.7% after the change.
Publication Name: Current Affairs Bulletin
Subject: General interest
ISSN: 0011-3182
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
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