Number: RL32876
Title: New Zealand: Background and Bilateral Relations with the United States
Authors: Bruce Vaughn, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Prime Minister Helen Clark was first elected Prime Minister as the leader of the Labour Party in 1999, was returned in 2002, and won more narrowly against a resurgent National Party in 2005. New elections are to be called by November 15, 2008. Clark has been trailing her opponent John Key of the National Party. In an August 2008 poll, Labour had narrowed its margin but still fell 11 points behind the National Party with 37% favoring the Labour Party and 48% favoring the National Party.1
Pages: 17
Date: September 3, 2008