New Zealand election remains close as vote counting begins

New Zealanders voted on Saturday in a tight general election that remains a neck and neck race between the two main parties, Euronews reported. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his right-wing coalition led by the National Party are seeking a second term against opposition Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins. Polling stations across the country closed at 7 p.m. local time, according to FTMQ News. [1][3]

Preliminary election results place the ruling National Party at nearly 31 percent and the opposition Labour Party at almost 30 percent, FTMQ News reported earlier. Indonesian news outlet Demokratis.co.id also reported that the National Party held an early lead over Labour as counting got under way. [2][3]

The election campaign focused heavily on the rising cost of living and the general economy, Euronews and FTMQ News reported. Under New Zealand law, voters cast two ballots in a general election: one for a local electorate candidate and one for the political party they want in government. Media reporting and political campaigning are strictly prohibited on voting day. [1][3]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, polls conducted before the election indicated that neither major party was expected to secure an outright majority of seats in parliament. The six-week campaign also saw the centrist Opportunity party gain support from voters who were unimpressed by the main political parties. [2]