As New Zealand's general election approaches, the unemployment rate rises to its highest level in 11 years.

New Zealands unemployment rate unexpectedly rose to an 11-year high in the third quarter, just three days before the general election, heaping more pressure on the government. Data published Wednesday by Statistics New Zealand in Wellington showed the jobless rate climbed to 5.7% from 5.6% three months earlier, the highest since the third quarter of 2015 and above economists forecast of 5.5%. Employment fell 0.1% from the previous three months, versus economists prediction of a 0.4% increase. New Zealands economic recovery remains fragile, with soaring oil prices and the approaching November 7 election hitting business confidence and limiting hiring. The persistently high unemployment rate is undoubtedly bad news for the center-right coalition government, as voters are questioning the reliability of its economic policies.