NZ general election: ruling party has a slim majority lead, expected to be finalized late this month

A general election for the New Zealand (NZ) Parliament (unicameral, basic 120 members) was held on the 7th. Votes were counted on the same day, and the three ruling coalition parties led by Prime Minister Lacson's center-right National Party are in the lead, but the situation is uncertain as to whether they will win a majority. Due to the close race between opposition parties such as the center-left Labor Party, the results are not expected to be finalized until the end of this month. The new centrist Opportunity Party secured its first parliamentary seat. The government framework may be left to coalition negotiations.

Wage policy sparks voting on the 7th, ruling and opposition parties are in a crowded battle - NZ general election

Elections will be held using a proportional representation system based on single-member constituencies. The winner is likely to be around 130, which is higher than the basic constant of 120.

According to the National Election Commission, the tentative estimate of seats at 99% stage is the People's Party: 42, ACT Party: 13, and NZ First: 12, for a total of 67 seats for the ruling parties. In contrast, there are 36 Labor Party, 16 Green Party, and 5 Indigenous/Māori Parties, for a total of 57 opposition parties. The Opportunity Party is 7. It is unclear whether the ruling party will secure a majority, as there is a possibility that the vote will change after all votes, including overseas votes, are counted.

"We are on the way to the next government, but the margin is still too small," Lacson told supporters, indicating that he would wait for the final results. Labor Party leader Hipkins also said, ``We still don't know the shape of the next government.''

If the coalition negotiations become entangled, the Opportunity Party is likely to hold the casting boat. "You all voted to change our country for the better," Wong told supporters.