The Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark announced on Friday, September 12, 2008 that the country is going to hold a general election on November 8 this year. The Labour Party of Helen Clark, since 1999, has been heading minority government coalitions. It is now seeking a fourth three-year term in office.

The conservative National Party is the main opposition and is headed by New Zealand's wealthiest politician, John Key. It is this party that appears to be ahead in the public polls presently. The mixed-member proportional voting system of New Zealand has been crafted in such a way so as to ensure the representation of minor parties also in Parliament. This usually results in coalition governments.