On the brink of New Zealand’s election verdict, Christopher Luxon, the prime minister-elect, has expressed his eagerness to initiate the process of assembling his cabinet. He is awaiting the results of the special votes that could speed up this crucial task.
“The situation is nothing but exasperating,” said Luxon in yesterday’s press briefing. “We are pouring in as much effort as humanly possible to navigate through these challenges. Hopefully, tomorrow will bring us the much-coveted clarity.”
This discourse took place in anticipation of the final election mandate being published.
Luxon could not provide speculations on his activities on the day of the election result declaration, emphasizing that his focus would be on examining the final outcome. While he is committed to advancing proceedings promptly, he was unable to project a date for the formation of the upcoming government.
Luxon expressed his concerns over the pace of special vote counting by the Electoral Commission. He adamantly withheld any comments on how the negotiations were faring. Yet, he highlighted that the party leaders were collectively interested in expediting the process.
The incoming Prime Minister will be present in Wellington, the country’s capital, during the final count.
Turning his attention to the legal aspects surrounding gang members masking their facial tattoos with makeup, Luxon directed the focus onto his party’s intentions to inhibit the display of gang insignias, an initiative to be enforced by the local law enforcement agencies.
Confronted with queries regarding the Mongrel Mob’s quest for legal counsel against his party’s strategy, Luxon responded with a veiled hint of sarcasm. Despite shrugging off their concerns, he reminded that these gang members, as New Zealand citizens, were neglecting their societal duties.
Luxon expressed his desire to participate in the Pacific Islands Forum but conceded that it was unlikely due to the election developments. In his stead, Gerry Brownlee, the former Foreign Minister, will attend as the National Party representative.
Luxon also attended a gathering on Auckland’s North Shore, accompanied by local National MPs-elect, where discussions centered around ongoing coalition negotiations with the Act party and New Zealand First.
The preliminary results from October 14 indicated a possible requirement for NZ First’s cooperation in forming a government with the National and Act parties. Luxon affirmed talks with both Act leader David Seymour and NZ First leader Winston Peters. However, direct contact between Seymour and Peters remained unconfirmed.
In a recent interview, Peters expressed optimism over the swift formation of a new government post the special vote counts, adding, “People need to stop dilly-dallying and expedite matters.”
He emphasized New Zealand’s representation at significant international events like the Pacific Islands Forum and the Apec Leaders’ Summit. Though he dismissed queries about his potential attendance as a former Foreign Minister, he hinted that Luxon could likely represent New Zealand at these gatherings.
Furthermore, Peters refused to share specific details about the ongoing negotiations, maintaining similar discretion as Luxon. He indicated that everyone involved in the process was awaiting the final results on November 3 to devise the stratagem moving forward.
