Große Parteien fast gleichauf: Wahlkrimi in Neuseeland: Kleine Partei als Königsmacherin?
Die Wahlnacht in Neuseeland endet zunächst ohne klaren Sieger. Eine Newcomerin auf der politischen Bühne könnte zum Zünglein an der Waage werden – sowie auch Hunderttausende „Sonderstimmen“.
Neuseeland is currently facing the challenge of forming a government after a tight race in the recent parliamentary elections. The conservative National Party, led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and the social-democratic Labour Party, under challenger Chris Hipkins, were neck and neck, both securing around 29% of the votes.
The smaller parties are expected to play a crucial role in the outcome. Among them, the rising Opportunity Party stands out, having crossed the 5% threshold and potentially entering the parliament with several seats. However, the party's tax policies, which include a new land tax and a universal basic income, have led conservative Prime Minister Luxon to rule out any collaboration with Opportunity.
Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong, a 38-year-old political newcomer, had initially expressed interest in negotiating with both political camps. Wong's career took a sudden turn when she applied for the party's leadership position and quickly rose through the ranks. The final outcome will be determined by a count of special votes, including those from New Zealanders overseas and those who voted outside their primary electorate.
The complete result is expected by November 27. An interesting aspect of the New Zealand electoral system could also result in a larger parliament than usual, with potential additional seats due to overhang mandates. Currently, the parliament consists of 120 seats, but with overhang mandates, it could swell to around 130. This would require a majority of 61 seats, rather than the usual 66.
Prime Minister Luxon has been in coalition with the right-leaning ACT Party and the populist New Zealand First since 2023, and he hopes for a second term. Labour leader Hipkins, who took office in 2023 following the resignation of Jacinda Ardern, has not ruled out a return to power, but potential weeks of negotiations for a new coalition are on the horizon.
Hipkins addressed supporters, saying, "New Zealand has spoken tonight, but it may take some time to fully understand what it said."
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
