New Zealand election results leave coalition majority uncertain
Preliminary counts show Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's National-led coalition with a narrow two-seat lead, but final results could shift the balance of power.
Preliminary results from New Zealand's election indicate that the National Party, led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, holds a two-seat advantage in the 131-member parliament. The final count, due from the Electoral Commission on November 27, will determine whether the coalition secures a majority.
Luxon told supporters in Auckland that while his party appears positioned to form the next government, the outcome remains "too close to call." He added that the country must await the official results before any coalition talks begin, which could extend over several weeks.
The right-leaning coalition currently stands at 67 seats. If it falls short of a majority, Luxon may need to seek support from the newly elected centrist Opportunity party, a partnership he previously ruled out.
The centre-left Labour Party, led by Chris Hipkins, received the highest share of the popular vote by a small margin, but National secured more electorate seats, giving it a larger seat count. Hipkins addressed supporters in Wellington, noting that "every vote matters" and that the final outcome will become clear after all votes are counted.
Labour, the Greens and Te Pati Māori together are projected to hold 57 seats. Their ability to form a government would depend on gaining additional seats in the final tally and securing backing from Opportunity.
National's share of the popular vote fell to 29.3% in the preliminary count, down from 38% in the previous election. Its coalition partners, ACT and New Zealand First, increased their vote shares to 11% and 10% respectively, strengthening their influence in any forthcoming negotiations.
The new Opportunity party, which earned about 6% of the vote, could become a decisive factor in coalition formation, with both major groupings seeking its support.
"Every vote matters. And every vote must be counted," Hipkins said.
"It looks like we have a pathway to form the next government, but the race remains too close to call," Luxon added.
The election outcome will shape the composition of the next cabinet, as several senior National MPs, including finance minister Nicola Willis and speaker Gerry Brownlee, lost their seats.