Labour and National remain virtually tied as New Zealand vote count advances
Labour and National remain virtually tied as New Zealand vote count advances
New Zealand’s election remained undecided with more than half the vote counted, as Labour and National were separated by a fraction of a percentage point.
At 52% counted, Labour had 29.5% of the party vote and National 29.4%. The Greens stood at 13.8%, ACT at 10.8%, New Zealand First at 9.6%, Opportunity at 5.6% and Te Pāti Māori at 0.6%.
The results indicated strong performances by several minor parties and increased the possibility that coalition negotiations would decide the government. Opportunity, led by Qiulae Wong, was on course to cross the 5% threshold and enter Parliament for the first time.
The evolving seat projection was also affected by electorate results and the possibility of an overhang, which can enlarge Parliament under the mixed-member proportional system. Special votes, including overseas ballots, will be included in the final count due on November 27.
A.Wilson--MC-UK
