In New Zealand, with its unicameral parliament, the conventions apply from the dissolution of the House of Representatives. In the period immediately before a general election, although not bound by caretaker conventions, successive governments have chosen to restrict their actions to some extent at this time in recognition of the fact that an election and, therefore, a potential change of government, is imminent. In practice, restraints have tended to be applied from approximately three months before the general election is due or (if the period between the announcement of the election and polling day is less than three months) from the announcement of the election (NZDPM&C 2001, p. 53). The conclusion of the caretaker period can be difficult to predict in New Zealand. The MMP voting system means that there is a possibility of a lengthy period before the formation of a new government—as happened in 1996, for example, when the caretaker period lasted for nine weeks. The New Zealand caretaker conventions have a lengthy section on guidance for when it is not clear who will form the next government to assist with decision-making during that interregnum.