New Zealand’s election results are too close to call
With 95% of ballots tallied, neither Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's National Party nor Chris Hipkins' Labour Party has secured a clear parliamentary majority. Both leaders have called for compromise while acknowledging the result may not be known for weeks as special votes — including overseas and late enrolments — are processed. The tight margin has left the country in political limbo, with minor parties potentially holding the balance of power.
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- ✓ With 95% of votes counted, neither National nor Labour has a clear majority to form government alone.
- ✓ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins have both called for compromise.
- ✓ Officials say final results including special votes will not be known for weeks.
What changed
Preliminary results with 95% of votes counted confirm no party has a governing majority, and officials say final results including special votes will take weeks.
Live updates
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New Zealand election deadlocked with 95% of votes counted
With 95% of ballots tallied, neither Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's National Party nor Chris Hipkins' Labour Party has secured a clear parliamentary majority. Both leaders have called for compromise while acknowledging the result may not be known for weeks as special votes, including overseas and late enrolments, are processed. The tight margin has left the country in political limbo, with minor parties potentially holding the balance of power.
Why it matters
New Zealand's mixed-member proportional system typically produces coalition governments, but this election's razor-thin margin is unusual even by local standards. The outcome will determine whether the centre-right retains power after one term or Labour returns to lead a left-leaning bloc. Cost-of-living pressures dominated the campaign, mirroring voter discontent seen in other developed nations.
What is confirmed
- With 95% of votes counted, neither National nor Labour has a clear majority to form government alone.
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins have both called for compromise.
- Officials say final results including special votes will not be known for weeks.
Still unconfirmed
- Qiulae Wong, an independent candidate, could hold the balance of power in a hung parliament.
What to watch next
- Release of special vote results expected in coming weeks
- Coalition negotiations between major parties and potential kingmaker parties
- Parliament reconvening and confidence votes
confidence 92%Sources used for this update (20)
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