New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday postponed the general election four weeks after October 17, but ruled out delaying it longer as the country tackled a new coronavirus outbreak.
“Finally, October 17th … provides enough time for parties to plan on the scope of circumstances in which we will be campaigning,” Ardern said at a news conference.
The elections were scheduled for September 19th.
Pressure was mounting on Ardern to lift the vote amid the resurgence of COVID-19 infections in its largest city, Auckland, after the country was 102 days free of coronavirus cases.
New Zealand Deputy Secretary of State Winston Peters called for a delay in the election on Sunday.
The main opposition National Party also wanted a delay after they were forced to cancel campaign events due to restrictions on movement and crowds due to the pandemic. It has accused Ardern of using the crisis for support on the coast.
Ardern said she had advised the governor-general on the new election date, adding that she did not intend to change it again.
“We’re all in the same boat. We’re all campaigning in the same environment,” Ardern said.
New Zealand law requires elections to be held by 21 November.
SOURCE:
Reuters news agency
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