How Jacinda Ardern turned 49% into 53%

The video explains New Zealand's mixed member proportional (MMP) electoral system, highlighting how it allows voters to cast two votes: one for a local representative and another for a preferred party. Despite its proportional nature, the Labour Party received more seats than their vote share suggested due to the 5% threshold rule, which discards votes for parties not meeting the threshold. The video discusses potential changes to this threshold to improve proportionality, comparing it to the Dutch system. It also considers the balance between proportionality and political stability, referencing past proposals to lower the threshold.

What is the primary purpose of the party vote in New Zealand's electoral system?

• To choose local representatives

• To decide on national referendums

• To determine the overall makeup of Parliament

• To elect the Prime Minister directly

What happens to the votes of parties that do not meet the threshold in New Zealand's elections?

• They are discarded as wasted votes

• They are used to elect local representatives

• They are counted as invalid

• They are redistributed to larger parties

Which party gained a seat by winning an electorate despite having fewer votes than New Zealand First?

• The ACT Party

• The Green Party

• The Maori Party

• The National Party

What is one proposed method to achieve a more proportional result in New Zealand's elections?

• Increasing the number of seats in Parliament

• Lowering the threshold for party entry

• Introducing a third vote for voters

• Eliminating the electorate vote

Why was the 5% threshold originally set in New Zealand's electoral system?

• To balance representation and prevent excessive fractionalization

• To ensure only major parties could enter Parliament

• To simplify the voting process

• To align with international standards