New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is facing a challenging election as his conservative rival, Christopher Luxon, gains momentum in the polls. With the general election fast approaching, both candidates have been engaging in various campaign activities to win over voters.
Despite recent polling numbers showing an upward trend for Hipkins and his liberal Labour Party, Luxon remains in a favorable position to become the nation’s next prime minister. Luxon has been focusing his campaign on promises of tax cuts for middle-income earners and a crackdown on crime. On the other hand, Hipkins has pledged to provide free dental care for people under 30 and remove sales tax from fruits and vegetables.
One of the key issues in this election is the government’s relationship with Indigenous Māori. Luxon has vowed to abolish the Māori Health Authority, claiming it creates a division in the healthcare system. In contrast, Hipkins supports co-governance efforts and has accused Luxon of endorsing racism.
Under New Zealand’s proportional voting system, Luxon and his National Party are likely to need the support of other parties to form a majority government. Polls indicate that Luxon may need to align with the libertarian ACT Party and possibly Winston Peters, an influential figure among disgruntled voters, including conspiracy theorists.
Hipkins has made it clear that he will not form a coalition with Peters, branding a potential three-party alliance as a coalition of chaos. If Luxon emerges as the winner, it would mark the end of Jacinda Ardern’s influential tenure as prime minister. Ardern unexpectedly stepped down earlier this year, leaving Hipkins to take over.
Throughout the campaign, both candidates have been engaging in light-hearted activities, such as dancing, scooping ice cream, and making pizzas, to appeal to voters. While Luxon has exhibited confidence and experience during televised debates, he has also made some gaffes, including a remark about his weekly food expenses that drew criticism on social media.
New Zealand election rules prohibit candidates from campaigning once polls open on Saturday morning. Although most votes will be counted by Saturday night, it may take several days or even weeks of negotiations between political parties to form the next government.
The outcome of this election will determine the future direction of New Zealand, with contrasting visions for economic policies, healthcare, and the nation’s relationship with the Indigenous population. Voters will have a significant role to play in deciding their country’s leadership and the direction it takes.
