Mixed Member Proportional

Question 1

Where is MMP used?

Answer 1

Germany, half PR and half plurality.

The additional member system (AMS), also known as multi-member proportional (MMP), is a hybrid election system.

The rest of the seats are filled this way, on a strictly proportional basis, using a national list, a number of regional lists, or even STV.

Question 2

What are the advantages of MMP?

Answer 2

• Local accountability strong
• Have the benefits of PR but with geographic representation
• One vote for the party, one vote for the candidate

Voters can also “split their ticket” (i.e. vote for different parties in the same election).

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of MMP?

Answer 3

• coalition
• parties can choose the candidates on the list to be chosen thus they have some control over who’s voted in

AMS does have the effect of creating 2 classes of MP: only one with a constituency to look after. The PR MP has no personal mandate. The larger the proportion of PR seats, the greater the proportionality but the less of a link with an individual MP.

Question 4

Where is MMP used?

Answer 4

Germany

Welsh Assembly