WELLINGTON — New Zealand’s Parliament was dissolved on Thursday, formally opening the campaign for the Nov. 7 general election in what Reuters described as a tight race between the ruling centre-right coalition and a Labour-led left bloc.
Parliament’s final sitting was Sept. 23. Parties are focusing on the cost of living, economic management and public services. A 1News-Verian poll released this week showed a left-leaning coalition likely led by Labour potentially winning 65 seats against 59 for the incumbent National–ACT–New Zealand First bloc. Under the Mixed Member Proportional system, coalitions have been the norm for three decades, and the centrist Opportunity Party could emerge as a kingmaker in some surveys.
Elections New Zealand’s timetable lists dissolution on Oct. 1, writ day on Oct. 4, overseas voting from Oct. 21 and advance voting from Oct. 26. Parliament normally has 120 seats, with overhang seats possible when electorate wins exceed a party’s nationwide vote share.
Sources: Reuters via MarketScreener, Elections New Zealand
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