So, its 2011, and with a two-stage process that mirrors the original referendum. Which is a lot better than what MMP refuseniks Graeme Hunt and Peter Shirtcliffe wanted, but there's still plenty of scope for the government to strap the chicken. Notably, the list of possible alternatives and the precise wording of the question has not yet been determined, meaning they could try to stack the vote by offering a unequal choice between MMP and an alternative with fewer MPs.
Either way, if we want to protect MMP, its not enough simply to vote for no change in 2011 - we also have to chuck out National, just to be on the safe side. Unfortunately, Labour's plans for MMP aren't much better (being led by a man who opposed its introduction doesn't help), so we need to make it clear to both parties: our democracy is non-negotiable.
