New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon calls November 7 poll, promises economic prosperity

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called a general election for November 7 and kicked off his re-election campaign on Wednesday (January 21) asking voters to choose continuity and promising economic prosperity.

The conservative government, a coalition between the major center-right National party and minority parties New Zealand First and ACT, has been in power since the 2023 election.

Luxon, 55, has seen his popularity fall over the past year amid a weakening economy and higher unemployment.

Current opinion polls indicate a tight contest with neither the ruling coalition nor the center-left Labour Party, led by former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, appearing to command majority support.

Production: Cordelia Hsu/Reuters