National and Labour parties close in early count of New Zealand election

Early counts from New Zealand's 2026 general election indicate that the ruling centre-right National Party and the main opposition Labour Party have each secured just under 30% of the popular vote, with more than half of the ballots tallied. The Electoral Commission said the three-party coalition led by National would hold a majority of only one seat if the current trends hold.

The centrist Opportunity Party is projected to meet the 5% threshold required for entry into the 120-member parliament, positioning it as a potential kingmaker in coalition talks. The commission expects to release preliminary results covering 95% of polling stations by the end of election night, with final results, including overseas votes, due by 27 November.

Former MP Peter Dunne, who served in both National and Labour governments, told Al Jazeera that the election has become a “cost-of-living election,” with voters assessing which bloc can better ease price pressures. He noted that the early lead for the ruling coalition was unexpected and that the two major parties appear very similar in policy, prompting some voters to look toward smaller parties.

"The ruling coalition appears well ahead of the centre-left. Now, that may change because these are early results, but it’s a little bit of a surprise that this is happening," Dunne said.

"Both main parties are practically carbon copies of the other, leaving a whole rising generation of voters who want to see a bit more adventure in politics," he added.

National has pledged to return the budget to surplus through fiscal discipline and to expand the national pension scheme, while Labour is focusing on cheaper healthcare and transport. Dunne said support is also gathering for the Green Party, ACT New Zealand, New Zealand First and the Opportunity Party, which is hovering around the 5% mark.

If the main parties remain evenly matched, Dunne warned that negotiations could extend for weeks, with the Opportunity Party likely to approach the largest party first. He cautioned that New Zealand could head into the holiday season without a clear government, as parliament must convene by early January.