New Zealand New Corona Infection Spreads Against Parliamentary Election Postponed August 12 at 12:56
In New Zealand, the government announced that it would postpone the parliamentary elections scheduled for next month in October as the new coronavirus infection, which had been suppressed once, began to spread again.
New Zealand's prime minister, Ardern, said yesterday that four weeks ahead of the parliamentary election scheduled for next month on October 19, saying that the spread of the new coronavirus has raised concerns about safe and fair elections. Announced to postpone on 17th.
The New Zealand government lifted the national emergency declaration in May, saying it was able to control the spread of the infection, and then lifted restrictions on economic activities. Since it was confirmed for the first time in months, several to more than a dozen new infections have been confirmed every day.
For this reason, the New Zealand government is once again tightening restrictions, including banning events for more than 100 people.
In this parliamentary election, the ruling party/Labor Party led by Prime Minister Adern has won a approval rating of more than 50% in response to the new coronavirus, but the opposition party has hindered election activities by strengthening restrictions due to spread of infection. The voice was calling for postponement.
"The postponement of elections ensures that political parties are well prepared to undertake election campaigns in a variety of situations and that the Election Commission is prepared to ensure that all voters are safe and secure." And asked for understanding of the postponement decision.