New Zealand’s prime minister-elect, Christopher Luxon, announced on Monday that his party, the centre-right National Party, would begin building relationships with both ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First while they wait for special votes to be counted. Luxon’s party, along with preferred coalition partner ACT, won a narrow victory in the recent election, securing a total of 61 seats in the 121 seat parliament. However, the official result is yet to be determined, as approximately 567,000 special votes, constituting around 20% of the total, still need to be counted. These votes historically result in right-wing parties losing at least one seat in the final count. The official result is set to be announced on November 3.
Despite awaiting the special vote count, Luxon revealed that his party is taking steps to establish relationships and engage in discussions with both ACT and New Zealand First. Regarding the negotiations, Luxon stated that he intends to keep the details private. He expressed his preference for forming a government before the APEC meeting, which is scheduled for November, but acknowledged that this will depend on the outcome of the special votes and the progress of negotiations.
Currently, New Zealand is being governed by a transitional government led by the Labour Party. Luxon confirmed that the process of transition between the two governments is already underway. Furthermore, newly elected members of parliament are present in Wellington on Monday to commence their induction into parliament.
Lucy Craymer reports, and Sandra Maler edits.
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