Advance voting begins in New Zealand general elections

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Early voting began Monday in New Zealand's general elections to choose a new government.

“Voted with (wife) Amanda … to keep growing our economy, being tough on crime, teaching our kids the basics brilliantly, and most importantly, no new taxes, so you and your family can get ahead,” said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on US social media company X.

Pitted against opposition Labor Party, Luxon and his wife cast ballot in Beachlands, an outer suburb of Auckland, urging people to vote for his National Party.

The main day of voting for the 120-seat parliament is slated for Nov. 7.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has pledged to form a three-year term government by Christmas, if he is elected to power, Radio New Zealand reported.

New Zealand’s 54th Parliament was dissolved on Oct. 1, formally ending its term ahead of the election.

National Party won the 2023 election and subsequently formed a coalition government with ACT and New Zealand First, ending six years of Labour-led governments.

New Zealand normally holds elections every three years under its Mixed Member Proportional system, in which voters cast separate electorate and party votes.

Overseas voting began on Oct. 21.

Official results are scheduled to be declared on Nov. 27.

Riyaz Khaliq Khaliq