New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon calls national election for November 7
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a national election will be held on November 7, 2026. Luxon, leader of the center-right National Party, cited his government's progress on the economy and crime as reasons for voters to support his coalition. The announcement comes amid concerns about a sluggish economy, which contracted in three of the last six quarters, and rising unemployment, which reached a near two-decade high. Recent polls suggest the National Party is losing ground to the Labour Party, although the current coalition could still retain power. Luxon's government, formed in 2023 after defeating the Labour Party, faces scrutiny as it seeks to address cost-of-living issues and law and order concerns.