November 06, 2023
Ground set for coalition talks
Prime Minister elect Chris Luxon says the final vote count gives National a clear way forward to form a strong and united Government in spite of losing two seats.
National’s election night wins in Nelson and Te Atatu were reversed by special votes, meaning it ended up with 48 seats.
That means it needs both ACT’s 11 seats and New Zealand First’s 8 to form a Government.
Mr Luxon says he has had constructive discussions with both ACT’s David Seymour and NZ First’s Winston Peters over the past three weeks.
He won’t say how long negotiations will take.
“We’ve heard public statements form all the leaders to say we understand the desire for certainty, we understand everyone wants to get clarity but we are working as hard as we possibly can and there is a real good intentionality from all three political leaders for that to happen,” Mr Luxon says.