词条 | Royal Commission on the Electoral System |
释义 |
The Royal Commission on the Electoral System was formed in New Zealand in 1985, and reported in 1986. The decision to form the Royal Commission was taken by the Fourth Labour government, after the Labour party had received more votes, yet won fewer seats than the National Party in both the 1978 and 1981 elections. It was also a reaction to the power displayed by Prime Minister Robert Muldoon, whose action of illegally abolishing the Superannuation scheme in 1975 without any repercussions highlighted the need to distribute power in a more democratic way.[1] The Royal Commission's report Towards a Better Democracy was instrumental in effecting New Zealand to change its electoral system from first-past-the-post to mixed member proportional. MembershipThe Royal Commission consisted of
CriteriaThe Royal Commission established ten criteria for choosing an electoral system. The criteria were not weighed equally by the commission, and a balance was sought. 1. Fairness between political parties The number of seats in the House should roughly reflect the number of votes received 2. Effective representation of minority and special interest groups The membership of Parliament should reflect the divisions of society 3. Effective Māori representation Māori should be fairly and effectively represented in House Treaty of Waitangi & aboriginal rights should be respected 4. Political Integration All groups should respect views taken by others in society 5. Effective representation of constituents An electoral system should encourage close links and accountability to the community 6. Effective voter participation The voting system should be understandable Power should be hands of voters to make/unmake governments 7. Effective government Governments should be able to act decisively and fulfil their responsibilities to their voters 8. Effective Parliament Parliament should be independent from government control Parliament should be able to authorise spending and taxation as well as legislate 9. Effective parties Political parties should be formulating policy and providing representation 10. Legitimacy Fair and reasonable to the community The Commission evaluated first-past-the-post, single transferable vote, Supplementary Member, Alternative Vote and mixed member proportional. Recommendations
ImplementationIn 1992 and 1993, two referendums were held, resulting in the adoption of MMP. The threshold was changed to 5% and the Māori seats were retained instead of allowing Māori parties to avoid the threshold. The number of MPs was increased to 120. A referendum was held on increasing the term of Parliament to four years in 1990. It failed to pass; Parliament continues operating under a three-year term. See also
References1. ^{{Cite book|title=Unbridled Power: An Interpretation of New Zealand's Constitution & Government|last=Palmer|first=G. W. R.|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1987|isbn=|location=|pages=}} External links
7 : Political history of New Zealand|Constitution of New Zealand|History of electoral systems|Electoral reform in New Zealand|Royal commissions in New Zealand|1980s in New Zealand|1986 in New Zealand |
随便看 |
|
开放百科全书收录14589846条英语、德语、日语等多语种百科知识,基本涵盖了大多数领域的百科知识,是一部内容自由、开放的电子版国际百科全书。