NEW ZEALAND: AN ELECTION WITHOUT A CLEAR MAJORITY

The parliamentary elections in New Zealand failed to produce a clear winner. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's National Party came out on top with 42 seats, ahead of Chris Hipkins' Labour Party with 36, but neither party secured an outright majority. The centrist Opportunity Party, which entered Parliament for the first time with seven seats, could play a decisive role in forming the next government. Coalition negotiations are therefore expected to be crucial, following a campaign dominated by the cost of living and unemployment.