New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Wednesday announced that the country will hold its next general election on November 7, citing confidence in his government’s economic and security record.
Luxon noted that the timing of the poll was influenced partly by the nation’s sporting calendar, with the date coming about a month after the All Blacks host Australia, a factor he said resonates in the sports-loving country.
A Taxpayers Union/Curia poll released last month showed the opposition Labour Party holding a slim lead over Luxon’s conservative National Party, polling 31.6 percent to 30.0 percent. However, the survey suggested that Luxon’s coalition would still retain power with the backing of its partner parties.
The prime minister said his administration remained focused on “fixing the basics,” arguing that the country was on the wrong path when his government took office two years ago.
“We’ve worked hard to turn things around,” Luxon told reporters. “The economy is improving, business and consumer confidence are rising, building and manufacturing are gaining momentum, and exports are performing strongly.”
He also pointed to inflation falling from about seven percent under the previous government to below three percent, and highlighted a free trade agreement with India, which he said is expected to be enacted into law this year.
On security, Luxon said his government had made progress in tackling crime, citing increased police visibility, fewer crime victims, a decline in youth offending, and a sharp drop in ram raids.
Opposition Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins criticised the choice of election date, describing it as unusually late and accusing Luxon of trying to cling to power.
“New Zealand elections are typically held in October rather than November,” Hipkins said. “This suggests desperation to hold on as long as possible.”
Hipkins added that Labour would run a positive campaign, accusing the governing National Party of offering “more blame, more excuses, more negativity and more cuts.”
The last general election in New Zealand was held on October 14, 2023.
AFP
