New Zealand Election: Luxon Needs 2 Other Partners to Govern
The Facts
According to the final results from New Zealand's Oct. 14 election — released Friday — the country's conservative National Party must enter a coalition with two other parties in order to reach a majority within the country's 122-seat parliament.
Full results by the Electoral Commission show the National Party to have won 48 seats, with Labour New Zealand winning 34, the Green Party 15, right-wing ACT New Zealand 11, New Zealand First eight, and Te Pāti Māori six.
The Spin
Narrative A
Now knowing the final vote results, the requirements for what is necessary for Luxon to form a government are set in stone. Following hints that negotiations have taken place for weeks, excitement over the initial honeymoon of a new political beginning in New Zealand is inevitable. There is much hope that an agreement will come together before the electorate grows impatient.
Narrative B
Dashing hopes of Luxon forming an immediate majority with the help of ACT, the finish line of a New Zealand government continues to exist only in the distant future. Following a feisty campaign, there are genuine worries as to whether a sensible agreement can, in reality, take place. With Luxon noncommittal on a timeframe, New Zealand's politics could be destined to remain in purgatory for some time.
