New Zealand Count Gives National Bloc Narrow Lead

New Zealand’s preliminary election count put the National-led bloc one seat above a majority threshold, but the narrow lead left the outcome unsettled as votes continued to be counted. With more than 95% of ballots counted, National, ACT and NZ First were projected to hold 67 seats in a 130-seat Parliament, where 66 are needed for a majority. The figures were still fluctuating, and the final verified tally is due November 27.

National leader Christopher Luxon said his party had a pathway to form the next government, but that the result was too close to call. Labour leader Chris Hipkins did not concede defeat, leaving open the possibility of further negotiations once the final seat allocation is known.

The preliminary count put Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori at 56 seats, short of a majority. The National-led bloc’s projected one-seat margin could change when special votes are included. Those ballots include votes from New Zealanders overseas and people voting outside their electorate; in previous elections, their count has tended to shift seats toward left-wing parties. The effect on this election is not yet known.

The figures reflect New Zealand’s mixed-member proportional...