New Zealanders headed to the polls on November 7 for the final day of voting in a closely watched election. The vote comes amid growing public concerns over rising living costs and the state of the economy. Election workers in central Wellington, the capital, were seen guiding voters to polling stations as the day began.
Polls are set to close at 7pm local time, with initial results expected to emerge shortly after. New Zealand enforces strict election day laws to prevent media reporting or political campaigning from influencing voters.
The country's mixed-member proportional system requires voters to cast two ballots: one for a political party and another for a local candidate. Winners from individual electorates secure seats in the 120-member Parliament, along with the highest-ranking candidates from each party based on their national vote share.
All votes will be counted by hand, a process that ensures transparency but may delay the final outcome. The election's outcome could shape New Zealand's economic policies amid ongoing financial challenges.