Election limbo as New Zealand hangs on maverick Winston Peters' whim

Wellington

POPULIST lawmaker Winston Peters is set to pick a winner in New Zealand's deadlocked general election later this week after again finding himself cast as kingmaker, thanks to the country's quirky electoral system.

It is the third time since New Zealand adopted the mixed member proportional (MMP) voting system in 1996 that an election has hinged upon the whim of the 72-year-old maverick.