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National Party set for absolute majority after New Zealand poll
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PRIME Minister John Key yesterday won an emphatic victory in New Zealand’s general election to return for a third term in office, a result that will be seen as an endorsement of the way his National Party has handled the nation’s economy.
“This is a great night. This is a victory for those who kept the faith,” Key told a cheering crowd in Auckland.
“This is a victory for those who refused to be distracted and who knew that a vote for National was a vote for a bright future for all New Zealanders.”
Key gave credit to his deputy prime minister, Bill English, whom he described as “the best finance minister in the developed world.”
With just a small number of special votes remaining to be counted, Key’s party ended election night with 48 percent of the vote.
It was a disastrous night for the National Party’s closest rival, the Labour Party, which won just 25 percent.
“The truth is, the party vote has returned a National government, and over the coming days and weeks we will need to reflect upon why,” Labour Party leader David Cunliffe said in his concession speech. He said he called Key to congratulate him on his victory.
“It is rare for any government to be defeated while surfing an economic rebound with a 4 percent growth rate, even though the longer-term problems remain,” Cunliffe said.
The election result showed a swing to conservative parties, with the liberal Labour and Green parties losing ground.
Under New Zealand’s proportional voting system, parties typically must form coalitions to govern for the three-year terms.
If the results hold, however, it would mean the National Party could govern outright — something that has not happened for any party since the proportional system was introduced in 1996.
But Key said during his victory speech that his party still intended to form a coalition with other smaller parties, to gain a broader majority and form a stronger government.
Supporters say the party has managed New Zealand’s economy well. The economy has been growing at 4 percent, while unemployment has dropped to 5.6 percent. The government projects it will begin running budget surpluses this financial year, following years of deficits.
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