New Zealand: Tight race in general elections

Preliminary results in the New Zealand general election indicate an exceptionally tight race between the two main parties, with it currently unclear which coalition will manage to secure a majority. According to reports from the Guardian and the Jerusalem Post, the two leading parties have received similar levels of support, leaving smaller parties in the position of kingmakers for the formation of the next government. The country's political system is grappling with the consequences of a struggling economy, which was a central issue during the campaign. Officials note that this is one of the closest elections the country has seen in recent history. Further details regarding the final composition of the parliament have not yet been released.