No clear winner in New Zealand election, as leaders prepare for weeks of talks

Key Points:

• New Zealand's recent election resulted in a near deadlock between the center-right National party and center-left Labour party, with neither securing a decisive majority, leading to complex negotiations with minor parties to form a government.
• The newcomer Opportunity party, led by Qiulae Wong, secured seven seats and holds a pivotal role in government formation, as it is unaligned with either major bloc and open to working with both sides.
• Incumbent National leader Christopher Luxon leads a conservative bloc with a slim one-seat advantage, but final results including special votes, expected by November 27, could shift the balance and potentially favor the left.
• Both major parties suffered setbacks, with National winning 42 seats and Labour 36, while minor parties like the Greens and Te Pāti Māori gained increased support, reflecting voter dissatisfaction with traditional political options.
• Luxon has urged patience during the extended vote counting period and has not ruled out negotiating with Opportunity despite previous statements, while Labour's Chris Hipkins faces an uphill battle to form a government without Wong's support.