Muldoon calls snap election

Prime Minister Robert Muldoon surprised many by announcing a ‘snap’ election to be held in one month’s time, on 14 July. He hoped to catch the opposition Labour Party under-prepared, but the gamble backfired and National suffered a heavy defeat.

The dominant politician of his era, Muldoon had held power since 1975. He now found himself increasingly under pressure, grappling with economic uncertainty, backbench criticism and a resurgent opposition led by the charismatic David Lange.

Despite the short notice, the election on 14 July was organised efficiently and produced the highest official turnout − 93.7% − in New Zealand’s history. Labour swept to victory with 43% of the vote to National’s 36%, and 56 parliamentary seats to their opponent's 37. Social Credit held the other two seats. Labour’s winning margin was inflated by the performance of the newly formed right-wing (but anti-Muldoon) New Zealand Party, which won 12% of the vote but no seats.

The 1984 election is often regarded as the most significant in New Zealand’s modern history. Labour’s victory was followed by some of the most far-reaching economic and state sector reforms ever seen in this country, as well as new directions in foreign policy.

Image: Thea and Robert Muldoon, 1984