Elections: Government by election in New Zealand just short of an absolute majority

Wellington. After the parliamentary elections in New Zealand, the government coalition led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (56) is, according to initial results, just short of an absolute majority. After about a third of the votes were counted on Saturday, Luxon's conservative National Party and its partners together won 65 of the 130 seats in parliament. The opposition Labor Party and its allies together won 58 seats. The Opportunity Party was just above the five percent threshold and could tip the scales.

Around 3.8 million people were called to the polls, and the polling stations closed at 7:00 p.m. local time (07:00 a.m. CET). The counting began immediately afterwards. For a government majority, at least 61 seats are required in the 120-seat parliament. The vote was overshadowed by sometimes violent storms. The metropolis of Auckland on the North Island was particularly affected.

Due to the tight distances, the distribution of seats could still change. Around 95 percent of the votes should have been counted by Saturday evening (local time). The final result was expected on November 27th. In addition, hundreds of thousands of so-called special votes will be counted in the coming weeks. This includes, among other things, votes from New Zealanders abroad and from voters who voted outside their actual constituency.

Luxon formed an alliance with the populist New Zealand First party and the libertarian ACT after the election three years ago. His government is grappling with economic problems in New Zealand, including high inflation, high costs of living and the highest unemployment in 15 years. His opponent Chris Hipkins was Prime Minister for a short time as the successor to the popular Jacinda Ardern, but clearly lost the 2023 election. He hopes for a second chance and can count on the support of the Greens and the Te Pati Māori Party.

The result is a disappointment for both major parties. Both were neck and neck at just under 30 percent and are therefore dependent on alliance partners. In the National Party, some of the most important politicians lost their parliamentary seats. Small parties, on the other hand, are making gains. Opportunity could enter parliament for the first time.

The party is socio-politically liberal and is running with candidates who support a land tax, an unconditional basic income and environmental protection. Party leader Qiulae Wong is a political newcomer and has announced that, if necessary, she will first negotiate with the party that receives the most votes. Luxon has ruled out working with Opportunity, but experts believe he might change his mind if he does.