The Mixed-Member Majoritarian System as a Policy Solution: An Evaluation of Its Political Effect in Korea

This study examines the function and effect of the mixed-member majoritarian (MMM) electoral system in Korea. The current electoral system was adopted in 2004, there having been three general elections since. When adopted, the new MMM system was expected to resolve several political problems by increasing proportionality and minority representation, alleviating regionalism and increasing voter turnout. However, in a similar vein with the previous literature, this paper found that the current system did not function as the reformers intended because the number of PR seats was too small. We also examined two institutional alternatives, the Japanese revival match system and the German mixed member proportional representation (MMP) system, for possible future reform. The German MMP system would bring about greatly improved political outcomes.