New Zealand election ends in deadlock between National and Labour

On 7 November 2026, New Zealand's general election concluded with the National and Labour parties effectively tied, leaving the outcome dependent on special votes that may take weeks to count. The National Party-led coalition holds a slim majority of 67 seats, while the Greens recorded their strongest showing ever. Neither major party is expected to secure a majority on its own, forcing a need for compromise.

By 8 November 2026, more than 2.4 million party votes had been counted, with Labour ahead of National by 3,650 votes. National is projected to win 42 seats against Labour's 36, but about 400,000 special votes remain to be counted. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his party has a pathway to form government, while the latest figures point to disenchantment and fracture in the electorate.