New Zealand election ends in stalemate

Wellington: The New Zealand general election ended in stalemate with official results showing the minority New Zealand First party in a position to play kingmaker and in no hurry to decide which major party it will support. It could be at least another two weeks before the outcome is known after PM Bill English’s National party fell just short of confirming a fourth-term in power. The charismatic Jacinda Ardern, who revitalised the main opposition Labour Party, also failed to muster sufficient numbers. With 61 seats required to govern, National won 58 and its sole remaining political ally, ACT secured one. Labour won 45 seats with its political partner Green on seven. PTI