New Zealand’s general election remained too close to call as preliminary results showed Labour narrowly ahead of the National Party, with just over 42% of votes counted, Euronews reported.
Labour, led by Chris Hipkins, had 29.71% of the vote, compared with 29.41% for National, led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The figures were preliminary, not the official result.
The Green Party was at 13.96%, followed by ACT New Zealand with 10.63% and New Zealand First with 9.41%. National’s coalition partners are ACT and New Zealand First. The parties were not expected to win an outright parliamentary majority, according to the report.
Cost of living dominated the campaign
The economy and cost of living were central issues in the campaign. Luxon and his National-led coalition were seeking a second term, while Hipkins led the main opposition challenge for Labour.
New Zealand voters cast two ballots in a general election: one for a local electorate candidate and another for the party they want represented in government. Voters of Māori descent can choose between the general and Māori electoral rolls.
The Electoral Commission’s timetable lists November 27 as the date for the official results to be declared. Until then, the reported vote shares remain provisional. The Commission provides details on the general election voting system.
Nicole French