New Zealand’s Parliament was dissolved on Thursday, officially marking the start of campaigning for next month’s national election, which is shaping up as a closely contested race between the ruling centre-right coalition and a Labour-led left bloc.
Parliament held its final sitting on Sept. 23 ahead of the Nov. 7 election, with political parties focusing on the cost of living, economic management and public services.
Poll points to close contest
A widely watched 1News-Verian poll released this week showed that a left-leaning coalition potentially led by Labour could secure 65 seats, compared with 59 for the incumbent National, ACT and New Zealand First bloc.
New Zealand’s German-style Mixed Member Proportional electoral system has made coalition governments the norm since it was introduced three decades ago, giving smaller parties an important role in determining who forms the government.
Parliament normally has 120 seats, although additional seats can be added when a party wins more electorate seats than its share of the nationwide party vote would otherwise entitle it to.
The decade-old centrist Opportunity Party could also play a key role in determining the next government, according to some polls.
Voting begins ahead of Nov. 7
Overseas voting will begin on Oct. 21, while advance voting will open on Oct. 26.
The election campaign comes as the main political parties focus on issues including living costs, economic management and public services.
The National-led coalition currently includes ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First, while Labour is leading the opposition bloc.
