Perceptions of fairness and support for proportional representation

This paper explores the causes and consequences of evaluations of the polit ical system and support for electoral system change. In 1993, New Zealand v oters adopted a referendum that fundamentally changed the way representativ es are elected, moving from a plurality to a proportional (PR) electoral sy stem. We examine the role of cynicism about the political system in adoptin g PR and how electoral change may shape evaluations of the political system . We expect that political minorities and those dissatisfied with the curre nt performance of government are more likely to be cynical about the fairne ss of the political process and that these evaluations are related to suppo rt for PR. In turn, supporters of the referendum should judge the political system more favorably once the reform is implemented. Using panel data fro m the 1993 and 1996 New Zealand Election Studies, we find that support for PR is based on more general evaluations of the fairness of the political sy stem and partisan self-interest. Those who supported PR and are politically aware are also more likely to have an increase in favorable evaluations of the political system.