By William Chambers

The MMP electoral system can be problematic — but, with a good understanding of its nature, there is a way for the National Party coalition government to be more assured of being reelected; and at the same time, give ACT and NZ First more say in crucial matters such as equal rights for all New Zealanders, which National have been too timid to implement, despite having promised to do so before the last election.

If voters give their local electorate vote to the National candidate, but give their all-important party vote to ACT or NZ First, it will mean National wins a lot of the local seats but drops to (near) zero list MPs.

And because ACT and NZ First absorb those party votes, their list seats are increased.

It’s a little complicated, but this process could create an overhang (a small increase in the total number of seats in the Parliament) to the advantage of the Coalition.

So, this strategic voting could not only ensure the centre-right block has a better chance of winning, but strip National of absolute control in the coalition.

You will probably have noticed Luxon has cottoned on to this strategic style of voting, and is advising people to party vote National.  But let’s be honest, they don’t deserve the Party vote.  They’ve had their chance as the dominant partner and let the side down by allowing co-governance and Maori “control” to creep in.

The fact is, they were prepared to stand by and allow the situation to reach the stage where the ‘Maori mafia elite’ could use extortion tactics, by for example, demanding $180 million in return for not objecting to the Waitaki Hydro resource Consent.  Another example of extortion was seen when a Tauranga Iwi demanded $450 million to withdraw objections to the Port of Tauranga’s expansion plans!

For National not to have had the gumption to nip this blackmailing in the bud means they’ve never really been concerned about where it would all end.

The Party vote must go to the other coalition partners.  Although NZ First doesn’t deserve it either, because they have a history of making the same old promises before each and every election, just to get into power … but have proven not to be trusted to actually do much at all when in.  Their trick is to rely on people having short memories.  This is why their main voting base is made up of old folk.

David Seymore is the only leader with honourable intent.  He genuinely means well, and has proven he’s got the fortitude to fight for what is right.

Note that I have never voted for the ACT Party before, but things have reached the stage where the political situation is very serious — the only sensible and responsible thing to do is to utilise “people power” and PARTY vote ACT.