New Zealand’s coalition parties have retained power in the 2026 general election, securing 67 seats in the House of Representatives. Preliminary results released by the Electoral Commission indicate the ruling coalition, composed of the National Party and the Act Party, narrowly maintained its majority.
The election, held on September 28, saw a high voter turnout of 72%, reflecting strong public engagement. The coalition’s victory was confirmed in key constituencies, particularly in urban centers where they maintained strong support. Opposition parties, including the Labour Party and the Green Party, combined for 58 seats, marking a shift from their previous majority.
This result follows a period of political instability, with several leadership changes within the coalition in the past two years. The 2026 election was the first since the 2023 constitutional reform, which introduced proportional representation and expanded the number of parliamentary seats. The new system aimed to better reflect voter preferences, but early results suggest the coalition still holds a firm grip on power.
The election outcome will shape New Zealand’s policy direction, particularly on economic reform and environmental policy. With the coalition’s majority, the government is expected to push forward with its agenda, despite growing pressure from opposition parties to address rising inflation and housing costs. The final results are expected to be announced by early October.
