New Zealand election race heats up as parliament holds final sitting

New Zealand’s parliament has held its final sitting before the country’s general election on November 7, with party leaders using the closing debate to make their cases to voters.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted what he described as his centre-right government’s achievements, including economic growth, record exports and lower government debt, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He also used his final speech to campaign for a second term.

Opposition Labour leader Chris Hipkins accused the government of failing to ease pressure on households and said it had not delivered on its main promises during its three-year term.

The election is expected to be closely contested, with opinion polls showing neither the governing centre-right bloc nor the left-wing parties consistently securing a clear path to a parliamentary majority.

The campaign is expected to focus on the cost of living, economic management and public services. Luxon’s National Party is seeking to remain in government, potentially alongside its coalition partners ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First.

Parliament is due to be formally dissolved on October 1, marking the start of the formal election period.