New Zealand's general election has concluded without a clear winner, with National and Labour both falling short of a majority. Coalition negotiations are expected to take weeks as results remain pending.
The election has ended without a clear winner, with neither National leader Christopher Luxon nor Labour's Chris Hipkins claiming victory or conceding defeat. Final results are expected on 27 November, with hundreds of thousands of special votes yet to be counted. These remaining votes could significantly influence the final composition of parliament, as current tallies do not yet reflect the full outcome.
Current figures suggest a 130-seat parliament, with 66 seats needed for a majority. A coalition of National, Act, and NZ First is projected to hold 67 seats, while the left-wing bloc, led by Labour, holds 56 seats. The centrist Opportunity party, which has entered parliament with seven seats, could play a pivotal role in forming a governing coalition. The projected distribution of seats indicates that a right-leaning bloc may be close to securing a majority, but the final configuration will depend on the outcome of the remaining votes and the subsequent coalition negotiations.
Why it matters
The outcome affects the balance of power in parliament and the potential for a governing coalition, directly impacting New Zealand's political direction.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
The formation of a governing coalition and the role of the Opportunity party in negotiations will be key developments to monitor.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.