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New Zealand’s Parliament was dissolved on Thursday, officially launching campaigning for next month’s national election, according to an official announcement.
The 54th Parliament held its final sitting on Sept. 23 ahead of the Nov. 7 vote. The election is expected to be a tight contest between the governing centre-right coalition and a left-wing bloc led by the Labour Party.
Poll projects narrow contest
The latest 1News-Verian poll projects that a potential left-leaning coalition led by Labour could win 65 seats. The incumbent bloc of the National Party, ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First is forecast to secure 59 seats.
Labour and National are tied at 28% in the poll, while the Greens have 16% support and could win 19 seats.
Under New Zealand’s electoral laws, additional seats may be added to the 120-seat Parliament if a party wins more electorate seats than its share of the nationwide party vote would otherwise entitle it to.
Voting dates and campaign issues
Voting for citizens overseas will begin on Oct. 21, while advance voting is scheduled to open on Oct. 26.
Political parties are focusing their campaigns on the cost of living, economic management and public services.
New Zealand’s last general election was held in October 2023. The Parliament has a maximum term of three years.
