Early results in New Zealand election indicate Christopher Luxon poised to become prime minister
NBCOct 01, 2023
The Facts
Christopher Luxon will form the next government in New Zealand after his center-right National Party won a decisive election on Saturday.
With more than two-thirds of the vote counted, the National Party sat at nearly 40% in New Zealand's polls, while incumbent Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' Labour Party placed second with 25%.
The Spin
Right narrative
New Zealand has voted for change. While the result could be a shock for Labour, which secured a landslide victory in 2020, New Zealanders — battling the hangover of the pandemic and a struggling economy — have elected an accomplished former businessman to steer the country out of a cost-of-living crisis.
Left narrative
Though he has promised tax cuts for middle-income earners and a crackdown on crime, a lot of distrust remains as Luxon has been accused of tacitly condoning racism by not calling it out. Moreover, his cheerful disposition will be tested as he manages a coalition with two party leaders who are poles apart politically.
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