New Zealand counts the votes in knife-edge poll

New Zealand commenced counting ballots on Saturday in one of the closest elections in its history, with no party projected to secure a majority of seats. Economic concerns and high living costs dominated the campaign. The war in the Middle East and subsequent global fuel crisis adversely impacted New Zealand's trade-dependent economy.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's right-wing coalition aims to retain power without proposing new taxes. He has vowed to sign more free trade deals if re-elected, portraying himself as a "super salesman" for the country. Labour leader Chris Hipkins, pursuing a left-wing agenda, promised assistance with living costs, including free doctor visits and prescriptions, and a cap on public transport fares.

Labour and the National Party are unlikely to obtain enough seats to govern independently, focusing attention on minor parties like the centrist Opportunity Party. The party's leader, Qiulae Wong, tapped into anti-establishment sentiment, vowing kinder politics and a future-oriented approach. Opinion polls indicated the Opportunity Party would surpass the 5% threshold required to secure seats without winning individual electorate contests.

Professor David Capie from Victoria University of Wellington noted that voter fatigue with the two dominant parties was contributing to the Opportunity Party's surge.