WELLINGTON, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's parliament was formally dissolved on Thursday following its final sitting on Sept. 23, ushering in the official campaign period for the Nov. 7 general election.
The ruling National Party and opposition Labor Party officially launched their election campaigns in separate Auckland events on Sunday, kicking off a six-week campaign.
The launches are typically designed to rally supporters and provide an opportunity for parties to unveil new policies addressing New Zealanders' top five concerns, namely cost of living, healthcare, economy, unemployment and housing, according to the latest Ipsos Issues Monitor, a public opinion survey conducted by market research firm Ipsos.
A 1News-Verian poll released this week projected Labor, the Greens, the Maori party and the Opportunity Party to win a combined 65 seats, compared with 59 for the incumbent coalition of the National Party, ACT and New Zealand First.
New Zealand uses the Mixed Member Proportional voting system to elect its parliament. Under this system, the government is usually formed by two or more parliamentary political parties.
New Zealand citizens or permanent residents of 18 years or older, 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. ■