The New Zealand Reform Case
How New Zealand switched from FPTP to MMP in 1993, the most successful electoral system reform in modern history.
Why New Zealand Changed
New Zealand used first-past-the-post from its founding until 1996. By the 1970s and 1980s, public dissatisfaction was growing. In 1978, the National Party won a majority of seats with fewer votes than Labour. In 1981, it happened again: National won 47 seats to Labour's 43 despite Labour winning more votes. Social Credit, a third party, won 21 percent of the vote but only 2 seats.
These outcomes delegitimized FPTP in the public mind. A Royal Commission on the Electoral System, established in 1985, recommended switching to the German-style mixed-member proportional (MMP) system. In 1992, a non-binding referendum asked voters whether they wanted to change from FPTP: 85 percent said yes. In 1993, a binding referendum offered a choice between FPTP and MMP, and MMP won 54-46.
