12 candidates for Hamilton West

The Electoral Commission has received 12 nominations for the Hamilton West by-election.

The Greens are not standing, and ACT is, which helps Labour in their efforts to retain the seat.

There are quite a few candidates from parties on the right or anti-government. And even if they only get 1% each, that may make a difference. You have:

• National
• ACT
• New Conservative
• NZ Outdoors and Freedom
• Vision NZ

There are no real left parties standing except maybe ALCP.

TOP are standing, and may take votes off both sides.

And of course Dr Sharma is standing again. Will he attract people who voted for Labour last time, or will he split the anti-Labour vote?