New Zealand’s ‘kingmaker’ extends election limbo
WELLINGTON: New Zealanders’ agonising wait for a general election winner is set to enter a third week, as populist ‘kingmaker’ Winston Peters yesterday again delayed announcing who he was backing.
The South Pacific nation has been in political limbo since the September 23 polls failed to deliver a clear majority for either conservative Prime Minister Bill English or his centre-left rival Jacinda Ardern.
They both require Peters’ support to pass the 61 seats needed to form a government, but the 72-year- old has drawn out the negotiations as he seeks maximum advantage for his New Zealand First (NZF) party.
Peters initially gave himself until yesterday to announce his decision but reneged on the pledge earlier this week.
He then quashed hopes the issue would be settled on Friday, saying that was too early to convene the NZF board to discuss a potential deal with English or Ardern. “It depends upon the logistical availability of the board, which could be Saturday, Sunday or Monday,” he told reporters in Wellington.
“It is a priority ( but) people do have to come from all over the country.”
He said NZF was “doing the best we can”.
Peters was tight-lipped when questioned about what recommendation he would make when the NZF board eventually met.