Wahlen: Neuseeland hat gewählt - knappes Rennen erwartet

Neuseelands recent parliamentary election has set the stage for a close race between the conservative National Party and the social-democratic Labour Party, according to initial results. Both incumbent Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, 56, and his predecessor, Chris Hipkins, 48, may face challenges in forming a government. With approximately 3.8 million people heading to the polls, voting closed at 7 PM local time (3 AM GMT).

Counting commenced immediately after, with a requirement of at least 61 mandates out of 120 seats in the 120-member Parliament for a government majority. The election was overshadowed by partial heavy rain, particularly affecting Auckland, the largest city on the North Island. The New Zealand population is currently facing high living costs, inflation, and rising gasoline prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Luxon's government is under pressure, and budget relief was a dominant issue in the campaign. Smaller parties could be the deciding factor, as polls had suggested both major parties could fall below the 30 percent threshold. Coalition negotiations could extend over the coming weeks, and over a hundred thousand special votes from New Zealanders abroad and those who voted outside their designated constituencies will be counted in the coming weeks.

The final result is expected by November 27. The National Party, led by Luxon, has been in a coalition with the right-leaning ACT Party and the populist New Zealand First since 2023 and hopes for a second term. The last election saw him challenge Labour leader Hipkins, and media has dubbed this year's contest the "Duel of the Two Chrises."