Ankara:New Zealand is heading toward a closely contested general election on November 7, with the opposition Labour Party leading Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's National Party in recent opinion polls.

According to Anadolu Agency, an RNZ-Reid Research poll released Tuesday showed Labour, led by Chris Hipkins, at 30.8%, compared to 25.9% for the National Party, marking its weakest performance since the 2020 election. The poll also reported the Greens at 14.8%, New Zealand First at 10.6%, ACT at 9%, and the Opportunity Party at 5.5%.

In contrast, a separate 1News Verian poll placed the National Party slightly ahead at 29%, with Labour at 28%, indicating a fragmented electoral landscape where smaller parties might be crucial in forming the next government.

On Tuesday, Luxon and Hipkins participated in their first leaders' debate, focusing on key campaign issues such as the cost of living, economic management, taxation, and health.

New Zealand's 54th Parliament was dissolved on October 1, formally ending its term as the election approaches. National won the 2023 election and established a coalition government with ACT and New Zealand First, concluding six years of Labour-led governance.

The country typically holds elections every three years under its Mixed Member Proportional system, where voters cast separate electorate and party votes. Overseas voting is set to begin on October 21, with advance voting starting on October 26, according to the Electoral Commission. Official results are expected to be declared on November 27.