Polls close in New Zealand's general election as vote counting begins

Preliminary results expected Saturday, final results due by November 27

Polling stations across New Zealand closed on Saturday in the country's general election to elect a new government, according to media reports.

Polling stations opened at 9am (2000GMT Friday) and closed at 7pm (0600GMT Saturday).

Vote counting began after polls closed, according to Radio New Zealand. Preliminary results are expected later Saturday, while final results are due by November 27.

The election pits the ruling National Party against the center-left opposition Labour Party, alongside several other contenders.

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Other major parties include the Green Party, ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First, while smaller parties such as Te Pati Maori and the Opportunity Party are also competing.

Among the newcomers is the Free Palestine Party, whose leader, Paul Hopkinson, told Anadolu earlier this year that the party aims to bring the Palestinian issue to the forefront of the election campaign.