Sydney (Reuters) – The New Zealand Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, stated that campaigning for the October 14 election was just beginning as parliament was dissolved on Friday. Opinion polls suggest that the centre-left Labour government, which has been in power for six years, is likely to be replaced next month. The main focus of the election is expected to be the high cost of living, as inflation has reached its highest level in three decades and interest rates have significantly increased. The parties are making promises to alleviate these concerns.
Opinion polls indicate that a coalition of conservative parties is the favored choice to lead the government after the election. According to the Talbot Mills corporate poll this week, support for Labour has dropped to 30%, the lowest in six years, while support for the National Party marginally rose to 36%. This gives the National Party a stronger chance of forming a coalition government with one or more smaller parties. Hipkins stated that there are still many undecided voters.
In the previous election of 2020, Labour won a majority under the leadership of the popular Jacinda Ardern, largely due to their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, New Zealand’s voting system favors coalition governments. This term, Labour’s popularity has gradually decreased, and Ardern stepped down in January, citing her exhaustion. Alongside Ardern’s departure and the economic issues, the government has faced scandals that led to the resignation of three cabinet ministers.
The leader of the National Party, Christopher Luxon, a political newcomer and former CEO of Air New Zealand, stated last month that his main focus would be tackling inflation. The upcoming election will be crucial in determining the new direction for New Zealand’s governance.
Source: The Star
Location: Sydney
Reporter: Renju Jose
Editor: Gerry Doyle
Credit: The Star : News Feed
