On the Back of the Game

A general election has been called for November 26, after the Rugby World Cup 2011. Campaigning is expected to begin in the week of the final, which is to be held at Eden Park stadium in Auckland. New Zealand has been governed by coalitions since 1996, when it moved to proportional representation, and it’s unlikely that any party will win a clear majority in the election. Political experts warn that it could take several weeks to form a new government. “If the All Blacks win, there will be a good mood around in the country, which would help an incumbent government. But if they lose, the opposite is the case and it could create a negative feeling and make people a bit more negative in their approach to things,” University of Auckland politics professor Barry Gustafson said.