November 07, 2012
MMP drawing more Māori into politics
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says MMP has been a beneift for Māori.
The Electoral Commission is recommending changes to the MMP system, including dropping the threshold for parties to enter parliament from 5 percent to 4 percent, and dropping coat tailing that allowing parties who have won an electorate to bring other MPs in even if they don't reach the threshold.
Mr Peters says he doesn't support dropping the threshold to 4 percent because it would make it easier for phony parties jacked up by other parties to get across the line.
He says whatever the outcome, Māori are more involved.
"Under first past the post, massive non-involvement and apathy was the order of the day. Under this system many more Māori voters and other people are interested in being organisers, party political operators, candidates and voters as well, so that's the good part," Mr Peters says.
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