Elections: Government alliance is narrowly in the lead after the election in New Zealand

Wellington. According to interim results, the government coalition led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (56) narrowly defended its majority in the parliamentary elections in New Zealand.

With more than 95 percent of votes counted on Saturday, Luxon's conservative National Party and its partners together won 67 of the 130 seats in parliament. The opposition Labor Party and its allies together won 56 seats. The Opportunity Party was just above the five percent threshold and won seven seats.

Due to the tight distances, the distribution of seats could still change. Votes cast abroad or not in the home constituency still have to be counted. In previous elections, left-wing parties had caught up here. The final result was expected on November 27th.

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.