New Zealand Early Voting Opens in Tight Election

Advance voting has opened in New Zealand ahead of the November 7 general election, which polls show is too close to call. Economic pressures, including a sluggish economy and high inflation, are prominent campaign issues, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s National Party and opposition Labour offering competing plans. Polls put the parties close together, while the smaller Opportunity Party could influence coalition negotiations under the country’s proportional system. The campaign has also been marked by controversy over a new rule barring voters from enrolling or updating their details after the advance-voting period begins, which critics say could restrict participation, especially among underrepresented groups.