New Zealand faces weeks of political uncertainty after a closely fought election left Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s governing coalition with a narrow provisional majority and the opposition still hoping to take power.
Preliminary results gave the National-led grouping 67 seats in an expanded 131-seat parliament, CNN reported. However, almost 400,000 special votes, including ballots from overseas, had yet to be counted.
Luxon acknowledged that the contest remained too close for certainty. Official results are due on 27 November, with coalition negotiations potentially extending the wait before a government can be formed.
The final count could put the centrist Opportunity Party in a decisive position. Led by Qiulae Wong, the party secured nearly six per cent of the vote and was projected to enter parliament.
Photo: Charlotte Graham-McLay/AP
Watch CNN’s video: New Zealand leaders react to the close election result
Luxon had previously ruled out working with Opportunity but adopted a more conciliatory approach after election night, signalling an interest in finding common ground with Wong.
The opposition grouping of Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori was projected to hold 57 seats. Its chances depend on changes in the final allocation and whether it can secure Opportunity’s backing.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins did not concede, stressing that all votes must be counted. Labour narrowly led the popular vote, while National’s stronger results in individual electorates gave it more parliamentary seats.
The election also revealed weaker support for the two traditionally dominant parties. National and Labour each attracted roughly 29 per cent, while smaller parties increased their influence.
Living costs, unemployment and healthcare were prominent concerns. National’s coalition partners, ACT and New Zealand First, improved their vote shares, potentially strengthening their bargaining positions in talks.
For voters, the immediate question is whether the remaining ballots preserve the government’s slender advantage or open another route to power. Until the official tally is complete, neither bloc can treat preliminary figures as a settled outcome.
