Governing party ahead in early results of New Zealand’s knife-edge vote

DEVELOPING STORYDEVELOPING STORY, Published On 7 Nov 20267 Nov 2026New Zealand’s governing centre-right National Party leads with 31.19 percent of votes, followed closely by the opposition centre-left Labour Party with 28.35 percent, according to early results.The country’s Electoral Commission said on Saturday that the centrist Opportunity Party will meet the 5 percent threshold to enter parliament.Polling stations opened at 9am on Saturday (20:00 GMT Friday) and closed at 7pm (06:00 GMT Saturday).New Zealand’s Electoral Commission aims to release preliminary results from 95 percent of polling stations by the end of election night on Saturday. A final result, which will reflect ballots cast by New Zealanders abroad, is expected by November 27.There is no time frame for when a government must be formed.Supporters gather at Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins’ election night watch party, in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, November 7, 2026. [Hollie Adams/Reuters]The National Party pledged to return the budget to surplus through fiscal discipline while expanding the national pension scheme. The Labour Party promised cheaper healthcare and transport.New Zealand holds a general election every th...