Maori Could Hold Key to Cliffhanger Election

New Zealand is in political limbo after a general election finished with the ruling Labour party just one seat ahead of the opposition National party.

The prime minister, Helen Clark, secured 50 seats in the 122-seat parliament, with 49 seats won by the Nationals. Both parties need around 60 seats to form a government and will seek the support of the six minor parties, which hold 23 seats.

The 15-month-old Maori party, with which the major parties have refused to deal during the election campaign, could hold the balance of power. The outcome may not be known for two weeks.