New Zealand enters weeks of coalition bargaining after a razor-thin election that leaves working people waiting
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Preliminary results show Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's National Party ahead by just two seats, setting off weeks of bargaining as parties negotiate over the formation of a government amid economic pain.
Preliminary results from New Zealand's election on Sunday show the National Party holding the most seats, giving the right-wing coalition a wafer-thin majority of two seats when combined with partners NZ First and ACT. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the result provides a mandate to form the next government, while acknowledging that the final outcome remains uncertain and could still shift against him.
Luxon told journalists that the party had secured 42 seats and expressed confidence in moving forward, adding that his government would act in a caretaker capacity until the final count, due on Nov 27, is completed. The final tally will include about 400,000 special votes, historically leaning left, which could upset the current balance of power.
Opposition Labour leader Chris Hipkins noted that the electorate’s message may take time to interpret. Labour currently projects 36 seats, with the Green Party at 16, ACT at 13, NZ First at 12 and Te Pati Maori at five.
The centrist Opportunity Party is projected to win seven seats, positioning it as a potential kingmaker in the negotiations. Luxon said it is unlikely he will need the party to form a government but expressed willingness to cooperate on shared issues if politics forces the issue.
The election comes amid economic pressures, with many New Zealanders facing high prices for basic goods and unemployment at its highest level in over a decade.