New Zealand’s Nov. 7 election left the next government uncertain because preliminary results gave Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s National-led bloc a one-seat majority, but special votes could still change the balance before official results are due Nov. 27.
The preliminary count projects a 131-seat Parliament. National, ACT and New Zealand First together hold 67 seats, just above the 66 needed for a majority. The party vote was very close: Labour received 29.36% and National received 29.21%, a difference of about 3,650 votes.
Nearly 400,000 special ballots, around 14% of the total, remain to be checked and counted. These ballots include votes from New Zealanders overseas and people who voted outside their electorate. Counting them could change the number of seats, so the preliminary figures do not decide who can command Parliament.
The centrist Opportunity Party is projected to win seven seats. It could have a role if the current governing bloc loses its narrow edge. Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins have not claimed victory.
The current government is expected to continue in a caretaker role while officials complete the count. The Electoral Commission says it aims to publish the official results on Friday, Nov. 27. The shape of the next government should become clearer after that.