New Zealand to wait weeks to form new govt despite PM Luxon’s expected majority
NZ PM Christopher Luxon's National Party and its allies were on track for a majority in the 131-seat parliament, but special votes remain to be counted.
New Zealand voters face a week-long wait to determine who will lead the country following the recent general election. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's National Party, along with its partners ACT and New Zealand First, currently holds a slim majority, needing 67 of the projected 131 seats for a governing majority. However, 14% of votes, including overseas ballots and those from outside electorates, remain to be counted.
These special votes have historically favored the left, and their final tally is expected on November 27, extending the uncertainty until then. Both the prime minister and opposition leader Chris Hipkins, of the Labour Party, refrained from claiming victory, acknowledging the tight race and the possibility of a delay in forming a new government.
The centrist Opportunity Party, which may have a chance at entering parliament for the first time, is being considered as a potential partner for either the National-led coalition or a left-leaning coalition. Political scientists suggest that a relationship with Opportunity could be beneficial for both parties, given their centrist and pragmatic approach.
The election outcome reflects voters' dissatisfaction with the lack of economic growth and trust in both leaders' promises to improve the situation.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times - World News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
