New Zealand election too close to call with half the votes counted

New Zealand’s general election is too close to call, with early results showing the ruling National Party and opposition Labour Party level at 29% after more than half the votes had been counted. Neither party appeared likely to win a governing majority alone, making negotiations with smaller parties central to forming the next government.

The election was shaped by high living costs and unemployment at its highest level in more than a decade. Almost 1.7 million of the 3.8 million eligible voters had cast ballots before election day; final results are expected on 27 November. New Zealand’s proportional system combines party votes and local candidates, and Labour leader Chris Hipkins said the next Parliament would need compromise and cooperation.