New Zealand is holding general elections under one of the strictest legal frameworks for election campaigns in the world, where almost any political activity during the day of the vote is banned.
The polling has opened after a 12-day period of early voting, while after the completion of the process, the counting of votes and the publication of preliminary results has begun.
Election laws in New Zealand ban political campaigns from midnight to closing deployments.
During this period, parties and candidates cannot publish promotional messages, while the media are not allowed to report for candidates in order to influence voters.
Also prohibited is food and drink distribution at a distance of 100 meters from the locations, reports the U.S. washingtonpost.
These regulations date back to the XIX century and aim for the election process to develop without pressure, influence or political interference in the decision making of citizens.
The two main political blocs are facing elections. The current prime minister, Christopher Luxon, leads the centre-right coalition, while former Prime Minister Chris Hippokins is at the helm of the centre-left opposition bloc.
The race is expected to be tight, while the proportional electoral system makes it difficult for a single party to secure the parliamentary majority.
Citizens vote under the proportional mixed system ( The MMP, where each has two votes — one for the candidate in its election zone and one for the political party. The election threshold for representation in Parliament is five percent.
Meanwhile, one feature of the system is also the possibility that members of the people autochthon Maori will choose whether they want to vote on the general list or in one of the seven special majority election areas.
Final results are expected to take longer, as special votes, including those of citizens who have voted abroad, should be counted. /Telegraphy/