Final election results loom
POLITICAL attention may be fixed on the US election, but plenty is on the line in New Zealand as special votes are due to be reported back today.
Among several tight results that could be affected by the additional votes is the seat of Invercargill.
As it stood after election night, the National Party’s Penny Simmonds claimed the seat with 16,372 votes to Labour candidate Liz Craig’s 15,687 — a lead of 685 votes.
The seat was previously held by National’s Sarah Dowie, who retired at the election.
Both candidates have said the result was too close to call, and it would come down to special votes.
Special votes are those that are not on the printed electoral roll, or are not taken at a voting place, such as postal votes from overseas.
They have traditionally favoured Labour and the Green Party.
Dr Craig, who was returned to Parliament regardless of the result due to her list placing, said she was looking forward to finally getting a result.
She was feeling positive, given the trend towards Labour and the Greens, but was taking nothing for granted.
She had busy day of meetings and engagements today, so she would be distracting herself until the vote count came through.
Ms Simmonds did not respond to a request for comment yesterday.
Other close races to watch today include Auckland Central, Whangarei, Waiariki and Northland.
The referendum margins will also change, although the ultimate results are unlikely to flip.
If the results did swing to the left, National could potentially lose a list MP.
That would be West Coastbased Maureen Pugh, who has already admitted she may miss out.
Special vote results are expected to be announced this afternoon.