Opportunity on course for seven seats in New Zealand Parliament

New Zealand’s Opportunity Party is on course to enter Parliament with seven seats, potentially giving it influence over government formation after an election in which Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s coalition holds only a narrow preliminary majority. The Electoral Commission’s preliminary results put Opportunity’s party vote at 5.96% in a 131-seat Parliament, but the final balance depends on special votes still to be counted.

The official count, including those votes, is scheduled for November 27. Preliminary results indicate Luxon’s coalition could govern with a two-seat majority. If special votes reduce that margin, either the centre-right bloc or the centre-left Labour-led bloc could need Opportunity’s support. The final seat totals have not yet been established.

Party leader Qiulae Wong said on November 7 that Opportunity was considering several possible arrangements, including joining a coalition, reaching a confidence-and-supply agreement or sitting on the crossbenches. She said the party would negotiate with whichever party won the most seats. Those options remain conditional on the final count and any subsequent negotiations.

Luxon said during the campaign that he...