Election 2026 live updates: Winston Peters says Michael Laws’ future with NZ First still to be decided

Armed with handheld barcode scanners, stricter station rules and better-trained staff, the IEC reported rapid turnaround times as more than 12 million citizens cast their ballots by late afternoon. But some voters reported long distances and up to two-and-a-half hours’ wait.

Leading the Future, backed by Silicon Valley’s biggest billionaires, had a war chest of $100 million and an aggressive stance against AI regulation. All of it didn’t add up to much on Tuesday night.

The move dealt a blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to discredit the vote, in which he and his allies lost their majority in parliament.

Members of the RTÉ leadership team appeared in front of the Oireachtas Committee on Media. Here are five takeaways.