Commission backs lowering voting threshold to two percent

The Electoral Law Commission has recommended a significant shift in the country's electoral system, advocating for a reduction in the voting threshold from five percent to two percent. The commission argues that the current five percent threshold is high by international standards and disenfranchises smaller parties.

In a joint submission to the Constitution Review Commission, the commissioners proposed transitioning to a mixed-member proportional system. This system would utilize closed party lists and the reduced two percent threshold. The commission believes this approach will preserve a greater proportion of votes cast and give a voice to citizens who support smaller parties, ensuring their choices are reflected in Parliament.

The commission also sees merit in combining direct constituency representation with proportional party representation. This hybrid model aims to ensure every voter has an identifiable local member while the overall composition of Parliament continues to reflect the national party vote. The New Zealand MMP model is cited as a useful reference.

This push for local representation stems from public consultations and the 2022 General Election Joint Report, where voters repeatedly expressed a lack of connection to their representatives. The commission asserts that a system with defined constituencies will enhance voter engagement by providing direct access to elected officials, thereby preserving overall fairness through the proportional party-vote element.