WELLINGTON, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- More than 913,000 people have cast their votes in the first seven days of advance voting for New Zealand's 2026 general election scheduled for Nov. 7, exceeding the number recorded at the same stage of the 2023 election.
A total of 913,762 votes were cast between Oct. 26 and Nov. 1, compared with 712,192 during the equivalent period in 2023, the Electoral Commission noted on Monday.
The figure represents about 24 percent of enrolled voters, up from 19 percent at the same point in the previous election, Radio New Zealand reported.
The busiest day so far was Oct. 31, when more than 190,000 votes were issued. Daily advance voting numbers have exceeded those recorded on corresponding days in 2023 since voting began, the report said, adding the current turnout remains below the 1.16 million votes recorded at the same stage of the 2020 general election.
About 600 voting places will be open each day this week ahead of the election day when more than 2,300 voting places will operate nationwide, according to the commission.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's center-right National Party is seeking a second term after taking office in 2023, while Labor, led by former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, is campaigning to return to power amid public concerns over the cost of living, economic growth, jobs and public services.
New Zealand citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or above, who have lived in New Zealand continuously for 12 months or more at some time in their life, are eligible to vote in the election, the commission said, noting that official election results are scheduled to be declared on Nov. 27. ■
