New Zealand counts the votes in knife-edge poll

New Zealand commenced vote counting on Saturday in an election seen as one of the closest in the nation's history. Neither of the main parties is projected to secure a parliamentary majority after a campaign centered on soaring living costs and a struggling economy. Rising prices for essential goods, high unemployment, and the geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East, particularly the fuel crisis, have been cited as key factors affecting New Zealand's trade-dependent economy.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's right-wing coalition is relying on no new taxes as a promise to keep power, having endured three contentious years in office and two failed attempts by his own National Party to oust him as leader amid economic woes. Luxon described himself to AFP as a "super salesman" for the country, pledging to negotiate more free trade deals if re-elected.

Former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' center-left Labour party has vowed to address living expenses, proposing free doctor visits, prescription coverage, and a cap on public transport fares. Hipkins expressed confidence that his party would exceed expectations on Friday, but neither party is anticipated to command enough seats to govern independently, intensifying scrutiny of smaller parties, notably the emerging centrist Opportunity Party.

Led by former KPMG consultant Qiulae Wong, the Opportunity Party has positioned itself as a fresh alternative, emphasizing kinder, gentler politics and promising cooperation with either the two main parties if successful. Wong stated that New Zealanders are weary of political name-calling and bickering, yearning for optimism and change. David Capie, a professor at Victoria University of Wellington, noted that voter fatigue with the dominant parties has contributed to Wong's growing appeal.

A recent opinion poll indicated that Labour held a 30% share of the vote, narrowly edging out the National Party. Labour workers in Upper Hutt, near Wellington, expressed confidence in securing the most seats. Prime Minister Luxon dismissed reliance on polls, urging voters on Friday to "stick to the plan that's working" and cautioned against supporting a Labour government due to soaring prices.

Many New Zealanders acknowledged the financial strain and deliberated over discretionary purchases, such as public transport and groceries, highlighting the tangible impact of the economic challenges.