New Zealand braces for knife-edge election: What you need to know
Summary
New Zealand’s November 7 election is expected to be close, with polls showing the governing National Party and opposition Labour Party nearly tied. Under the country’s proportional voting system, smaller parties may determine which bloc can form a government.Key Facts
- New Zealand holds general elections every three years and uses a mixed-member proportional system.
- Voters cast one ballot for a local electorate candidate and another for a political party.
- A party needs at least 5 percent of the party vote or one electorate win to gain seats.
- A majority in the 120-seat Parliament usually requires 61 seats.
- National leader and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is seeking a second term and governs in a coalition with New Zealand First and ACT.
- Labour leader Chris Hipkins, who served as prime minister in 2023, is seeking a return to office.
- National has campaigned on returning the budget to surplus, while Labour has focused on living costs and investment in public services, jobs, housing and infrastructure.
- New Zealand First has proposed breaking up major electricity companies and splitting a large supermarket operator.
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