1999 New Zealand MP reduction referendum

A referendum on reducing the number of MPs from 120 to 99 was a citizens-initiated referendum held in New Zealand on 27 November 1999, the same date as the general election.[1] The proposal was supported by 81.5% of voters, with a turnout of 82.8%.[2] This referendum was non-binding and the number of MPs in parliament was not changed.[3]

1999 New Zealand MP reduction referendum
Citizens Initiated Referendum On Reduction In Number Of MPs
Date27 November 1999 (1999-11-27)
Results
Votes %
Yes 1,678,054 81.46%
No 381,894 18.54%
Valid votes 2,059,948 99.15%
Invalid or blank votes 17,699 0.85%
Total votes 2,077,647 100.00%
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Results
ChoiceVotes%
For1,678,05481.5
Against381,89418.5
Invalid/blank votes17,699–
Total2,077,647100
Source: Nohlen, D; et al.

Implementation

Since the referendum was non-binding, there was no immediate proposed implementation of a bill to reduce the number of MPs in parliament.[3] However, on 23 February 2006, the Electoral (Reduction in Number of Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill was introduced, which proposed that the number of MPs be reduced to 100, seeking to honour the 1999 referendum.[4] The bill passed its first reading but failed in its second.[5]

References
  1. Ryall, Tony (6 March 1999). "Citizens Initiated Referendum On Reduction In Number Of Mps to Be Held With General Election". The Beehive. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  2. Nohlen, D; Grotz, F; Hartmann, C (2001). Elections in Asia: A data handbook. II. p. 719. ISBN 0-19-924959-8.
  3. "Winston Peters' decluttering solution: Cut number of MPs to 100". The New Zealand Herald. 14 September 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  4. "Electoral (Reduction in Number of Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill — First Reading - New Zealand Parliament". www.parliament.nz. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  5. "Electoral (Reduction in Number of Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill - New Zealand Parliament". www.parliament.nz. Retrieved 12 November 2019.


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