New Zealand’s two major parties are flatlining as dispirited voters seek transformational change
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- New Zealand's 2023 election saw a historic low combined vote for the two major parties, Labour and National, who together secured just 58% of the party vote, reflecting voter frustration with incremental political management.
- Minor parties made significant gains, with ACT and the Greens achieving their best results ever, New Zealand First its best since 2002, and Opportunity entering parliament for the first time, potentially becoming a kingmaker.
- Labour and National were nearly tied, with Labour at 29.3% and National at 29.2%, but National suffered an 8.3-point drop and lost key list MPs due to the MMP system and overhang seats, while Labour slightly improved.
- The final government formation remains uncertain pending the counting of special votes, with National currently holding a narrow one-seat majority in coalition with ACT and New Zealand First, but this margin could change.
- National leader Christopher Luxon acknowledged the close result, ruled out working with Opportunity for now, and highlighted the challenges of governing with a slim majority in a fragmented parliament.
