{Polls have closed in New Zealand\u2019s general elections in what is being called the dirtiest campaign in the nation\u2019s history.}<\/p>\n
Until very recently PM John Key looked set to easily win a third term.<\/p>\n
But in recent weeks he has been forced to defend his National Party against allegations of dirty politics and planning mass domestic surveillance.<\/p>\n
Mr Key\u2019s personal popularity, however, remains strong among voters, polls show.<\/p>\n
Nearly 3.5 million people were eligible to cast their vote. First results are expected in a few hours.<\/p>\n
On Friday, a New Zealand Herald poll showed the National Party had 48% support. The main opposition Labour Party held 26%, with 11% for the Greens.<\/p>\n
New Zealand\u2019s proportional representation electoral system means a coalition government is more likely than any one party winning a majority.<\/p>\n
My Key might be forced to rely on New Zealand First\u2019s leader, Winston Peters, to form a government. Mr Peters, who has been in this position before, has not said which way his party will go.<\/p>\n
Labour would need to form a coalition with the Greens, their old ally, New Zealand First and potentially the Internet-Mana Party which has been funded by Kim Dotcom, the online billionaire accused of copyright infringement in the US.<\/p>\n
Agencies<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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