Christopher Luxon Proposes MMP Voting System Referendum

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced on Newstalk ZB that he intends to hold a referendum on New Zealand's Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) voting system if he is re-elected. Luxon argued that a government led primarily by National Party ministers would be more stable and effective, stating he wants to avoid including a "yahoo or numpty" from other parties in the Cabinet.

The proposal surprised several National Party MPs, and it remains unclear if the move is official party policy. Luxon also noted that the government is working toward a separate referendum to extend government terms from three to four years.

Coalition partners and opponents reacted critically to the announcement. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters condemned the proposal as an "inexplicable" "power grab," claiming that National and Labour are attempting to change the system to favor their falling fortunes. Act leader David Seymour stated he is not opposed to a referendum but suggested Luxon may have been free-wheeling and not fully considered the implications of his comments regarding other ministers.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins accused Luxon of being unable to manage the current coalition, asserting that the Prime Minister is the author of his own misfortune.