New Zealanders are heading to the polls in a general election that could potentially bring about a change in the country’s political landscape. After six years of a liberal government led by Jacinda Ardern, opinion polls suggest that New Zealanders are looking for a conservative alternative.
The unexpected exit of Ardern earlier this year, citing a lack of energy to fulfill her role, appeared to have had an impact on her popularity. Despite her initial landslide victory, fatigue with COVID-19 restrictions and concerns over the economy had caused her popularity to decline.
Following Ardern’s departure, Chris Hipkins, the former education minister who led the response to the pandemic, took over as the interim prime minister. However, it is Christopher Luxon, a former businessman and conservative rival, who seems to be in the best position to become the next prime minister based on polling data.
Under New Zealand’s proportional voting system, Luxon and his National Party would likely need to form an alliance with other parties to secure a majority. The libertarian ACT Party and the New Zealand First party led by Winston Peters could potentially provide the support Luxon needs.
Luxon has campaigned on promises of tax cuts for middle-income earners and a tougher stance on crime, while Hipkins has focused on offering free dental care for those under 30 and removing sales taxes on fruits and vegetables. The election also holds significance for the government’s relationship with Indigenous Maori, with Luxon pledging to abolish the Maori Health Authority and Hipkins defending co-governance efforts.
During the campaign, both Hipkins and Luxon traveled across the country to connect with voters. Hipkins even joined a Zumba dance class on the final day of campaigning, although he jokingly admitted his dance moves were not the most coordinated. The polling numbers for Hipkins and his Labour Party have shown an upward trend in the days leading up to the election.
Luxon, on the other hand, promised to crack down on crime and alleviate traffic congestion through infrastructure projects. While he held his own in televised debates against the more experienced Hipkins, Luxon did face criticism for an answer in which he appeared out of touch with the rising cost of groceries.
It could take days or even weeks of negotiations between political parties before the next government is finalized, even though most votes will be counted by Saturday night. New Zealand election rules prohibit candidates from campaigning once the polls open.
The outcome of this election will determine the direction New Zealand will take going forward, with voters looking for a change after years of liberal governance. The election results will undoubtedly shape the country’s policies and priorities in the years to come.
