New Zealand will delay its national elections by four weeks, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday in the growing outbreak of coronavirus in the country’s largest city.
Opposition parties have called for a halt to the election since a riot broke out in Auckland last week, prompting a city shutdown and a campaign halt.
“Ultimately, I want to make sure we have a well-conducted election that gives all voters the best chance of getting all the information they need about parties and candidates, and provides certainty for the future,” Ardern said.
The election, scheduled for September 19, will now take place on October 17.
Under New Zealand law, Ardern could have postponed the election for up to two months. The Prime Minister said the elections will not be further delayed.
The outbreak in Auckland was reported last Tuesday from one household in the city. The cluster grew to 49 infections and authorities believe they are all linked.
Before the Auckland cases went, New Zealand went 102 days without reporting a new infection.
The country, which was largely back to normal, was praised worldwide for its response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
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