Conservative businessman Christopher Luxon and his centre-right National Party have emerged victorious in the New Zealand elections, securing about 40 percent of the vote. With this result, Luxon is in a strong position to form a new administration with his preferred coalition partner, the libertarian ACT party, which received nine percent of the vote.
Outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who took over from Jacinda Ardern in January, conceded defeat and called Luxon to congratulate him. Ardern, who led a liberal government for six years, stepped down, citing fatigue as the reason.
The exact makeup of Luxon’s government is yet to be determined as the final vote count is awaited. Nevertheless, his victory marks a significant change after years of a liberal government.
A Shift in Public Opinion
Ardern and the liberal party had won the previous election in a landslide. However, her popularity waned due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and high inflation rates that impacted voters’ perceptions. In the recent election, the Labour Party led by Hipkins could only secure a little over 25 percent of the vote, about half of what it received in the last election under Ardern.
The Labour Party is also facing the possibility of losing Ardern’s former electorate seat in Mount Albert, which has historically been a liberal stronghold. Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta also lost her constituency seat and will not be returning to Parliament.
Luxon’s Promises
Luxon, a former executive who once ran Air New Zealand and entered politics just three years ago, has made several promises to the public. He has pledged to cut taxes for middle-income earners, address the issue of inflation, eliminate sales taxes on fruit and vegetables, and take stringent measures to fight crime.
However, Luxon’s majority remains slim, and he may need support from the populist New Zealand First Party and the ACT party. The final vote count, including overseas and special votes, will be disclosed in early November.