A list MP is elected from a party's published ranked list rather than by winning a local electorate. Party lists exist to make Parliament proportional: once electorate wins are counted, list seats top each party up to its party-vote share. List MPs have the same powers and vote as electorate MPs.
A list MP is elected from a party's published ranked list rather than by winning a local electorate. Party lists exist to make Parliament proportional: once electorate wins are counted, list seats top each party up to its party-vote share. List MPs have the same powers and vote as electorate MPs.
Elected off a ranked list, not a local contest.
Same voting power as any other MP.
Lists are published before the election so voters can see them.
Many list MPs still base themselves in a region.
Before the election, each party publishes a list of its candidates in order, from number one downwards. If the party earns 20 seats and wins 12 electorates, the top eight people on the list who did not win an electorate become MPs.
Voters cannot reorder the list. That is decided inside the party, which is one of the honest criticisms people make of MMP.
List MPs sit on select committees, ask questions, debate bills and vote, exactly like electorate MPs. Many are given responsibility for a region or a subject area instead of a single electorate.
Can someone stand for an electorate and be on the list?
Yes. That is very common, and it is why a candidate can lose locally but still enter Parliament.
What happens if a list MP resigns?
The next available person on that party's list takes the seat.