Explainer
Will New Zealand's too-close election hand power to small parties?
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Polls closed on Saturday, and early counts put the ruling National Party on nearly 31%, with Labour almost level behind it. The race is too close to call.
31%
The centrist Opportunity Party needs five percent to enter parliament. Projections suggest it could win 6 seats, its first time there.
6
Parliament has 120 seats, and governing takes at least 61. Reports say neither big party is likely to reach that alone, so smaller parties may decide.
120
= 1 seat
Majority: 61
Voting opened on October 26, and special votes from overseas and outside home electorates keep being counted for weeks, until the November 27 final tally settles the result.
- 26 OctoberVoting opens
- 27 NovemberComing upFinal tally due
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The story
New Zealand election too close to call as National and Labour run neck and neckRead the article