New Zealand Elections: Jacinda Ardern Clears Majority for Second Term in Office

New Zealand Incumbent Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern cleared majority in the general elections to secure her second term at the office. As of 4:10 PM IST when 97% results were counted, Jacinda's Labour party secured 49% votes and the opposition New Zealand National Party could only manage to gain 26.9% of the votes. Labour Party's coalition partners Green Party gained 7.6% votes and New Zealand First party gained 2.7% votes. The 40-year-old became the first New Zealander to gain an absolute majority of 48% since the country re-structured its voting system in 1996. Ardern said that “This is not an ordinary election and this has not been an ordinary time” and urged New Zealanders to “step forward together.” After the defeat, Opposition's leader Judith Collins thanked her supporters and said, “Just to avoid any doubt, tonight is the start of the next campaign. Bring on 2023.”