second election
- Amanda Riddell
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- Nov 1, 2023
- 2 min read
If I remember correctly, my main thrust was that the result was unfair, rather than that the votes counted were wrong. Now that the dust has settled, I've asked ChatGPT to explain how AMPP's reforms might make the electoral process fairer for all New Zealanders. Here's what she said: - AMPP's proposed electoral reforms aim to create a fairer and more equitable electoral system in New Zealand. Here are some key points on how these reforms might benefit all New Zealanders:
Lowering the MMP Threshold: By reducing the MMP (Mixed Member Proportional) threshold from 5% to a lower percentage, AMPP aims to ensure that smaller parties have a better chance of gaining representation in Parliament. This would enable a broader range of political voices to be heard and represented, making the system more inclusive.
Public Financing of Elections: Implementing a fairer system of public financing for political parties and election campaigns could level the playing field. It would reduce the influence of wealthy donors and make elections more about the merits of policies and ideas rather than financial resources.
Increased Transparency: AMPP's call for greater transparency in political donations and lobbying can help expose any undue influence on the political process. This ensures that decisions made by elected representatives are in the best interests of the public rather than special interest groups.
Lowering the Voting Age: By reducing the voting age to 16, AMPP aims to engage younger citizens in the democratic process earlier, giving them a voice in shaping the country's future. This reform recognizes the importance of involving the youth in decision-making.
Proportional Representation: AMPP's commitment to exploring alternative voting systems, such as Single Transferable Vote (STV), could lead to more proportional representation. This means that the distribution of seats in Parliament would more accurately reflect the popular vote, making the system fairer for voters of all political leanings.
Campaign Finance Reform: Implementing stricter rules on campaign financing, including spending limits and contribution caps, can prevent the distortion of the political process through excessive financial influence.
Automatic Voter Registration: Implementing automatic voter registration can help ensure that eligible citizens are not disenfranchised. This reform simplifies the voter registration process, making it more accessible to all.
Mandatory Voting: Introducing mandatory voting would require all eligible citizens to vote in elections. This ensures a higher voter turnout and greater participation in the democratic process, promoting civic engagement.
These electoral reforms collectively aim to create a more democratic, transparent, and inclusive electoral system, where the voices and concerns of all New Zealanders are heard and considered in the decision-making process. AMPP: we're all about choices. 👋

Correction: I'm not looking for STV. I want a truly proportional system where 1% of the party vote roughly = 1 list seat. I realise that this might not be practical, but even 2% would be fairer than 5% -- that's what TOP and TPM poll around, and TPM is only able to get into Parliament due to the Māori seats. I'd probably try to redistribute the 120 seats so that there's slightly more list seats and slightly fewer electorate seats. If TPM was able to establish the separate Māori Parliament, that would probably fix that particular issue around overhangs and 'how many seats are there in the House'