New Zealand voted on Saturday in a parliamentary election with no clear winner, amid cost-of-living, unemployment and health concerns. Centre-right prime minister Christopher Luxon is seeking another term in a tight race with Labour’s Chris Hipkins, Rador reported, based on the BBC.

With more than 95% of votes counted, the conservative bloc (National plus ACT and NZ First) hovered on a wafer-thin majority — possibly by a single seat — while Labour stayed close. Luxon said late at night the outcome was “too close to call,” while noting National remains the largest party with a pathway to government.

Both major parties struggled below 30% of the party vote, separated by a few thousand ballots. About 300,000 special votes still need counting; the Electoral Commission is due to announce final results on 27 November, after which serious coalition talks can begin.

Caretaker conventions apply in the meantime. Luxon spoke of negotiation and compromise and congratulated Hipkins. The centrist Opportunity party, led by Quilae Wong, crossed the 5% threshold and could play kingmaker.

New Zealand’s MMP system almost always forces coalitions; even with a slight National edge, the final shape of the 55th Parliament depends on the special votes.

Source: Parliamentary elections in New Zealand (Rador / BBC)