New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he could still lead a government as the election count showed different leaders in votes and seats, leaving the result unsettled.
Al Jazeera’s video report, published Nov. 7, said the first returns gave National a small advantage in the popular vote. The outlet also reported that Luxon said he believed he could still lead a government. Reuters separately quoted him calling the result “too close to call.”
In EconoTimes’ pre-election coverage of voter concerns, the Associated Press cited analysts who expected neither the National-led coalition nor the Labour-led opposition bloc to win an outright majority. They said smaller parties could influence government talks.
EconoTimes previously reported a later tally in its coverage of the party vote and seat count: Labour was ahead by 3,650 votes in the party vote, while National held more seats. That was a later count stage than the initial returns; official results are still pending.
Reuters also reported that left-leaning parties have tended to fare better in special votes, which it said may matter in close contests. The Electoral Commission has scheduled publication of official results for Nov. 27.
