New Zealand general election, 2005

The 2005 New Zealand general election was held on 17 September 2005. No single party won a majority in the one-house New Zealand Parliament, but the Labour Party of Prime Minister Helen Clark secured two more seats than its closest rival, the National Party of Dr Don Brash. Most of the minor parties polled poorly, losing votes and seats, but the new M?ori Party took four electorate seats, including three from Labour.

Related Topics:
17 September - 2005 - One-house - New Zealand Parliament - Labour Party - Prime Minister - Helen Clark - National Party - Don Brash - M?ori Party

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Brash deferred conceding the election until 1 October 2005 when the inclusion of special votes caused National's seats drop from 49 to 48. Clark, who has served as caretaker Prime Minister since the end of the election, must now pull together a coalition that can govern with the support of Parliament.

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1 October - 2005

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The election saw a strong recovery by National - gaining 21 more seats than at the 2002 election, when it suffered its worst result ever. Despite this resurgence, National failed to displace Labour as the largest party in Parliament. National's gains were at the expense of smaller parties, while Labour won only two seats fewer than in 2002.

Related Topics:
2002 election - 2002

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