The Political Impact of Electoral System Change in Japan and New Zealand, 1996

Abstract

In 1996, both Japan and New Zealand adopted new electoral systems with strong similarities, though also significant differences. In each case the new electoral system entails the election of most MPs by single-member plurality, while the remainder are elected from lists. The aims of the reform were less clear, and more party-driven, in Japan than in New Zealand. In Japan there is no evidence as yet that `money politics', or the importance of the individual candidate, have disappeared. The new systems have had an effect on the internal life of the parties, especially on candidate selection. The change in the New Zealand system, as could have been predicted, has led to a great increase in proportionality, but the new Japanese system is actually less proportional than the previous single non-transferable vote electoral system. The effect on the New Zealand political system will be major, but the extent of the impact of electoral system change in Japan is not yet clear.

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