New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is delaying the country’s parliamentary election following a recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
The election, which was originally scheduled for Sept. 19, will now take place on Oct. 17.
Ardern said she was assured by New Zealand’s Electoral Commission that the new date would be better for a safe and accessible election.
“Ultimately, I want to ensure we have a well-run election that gives all voters the best chance to receive all the information about parties and candidates and delivers certainty for the future,” Ardern said.
The move comes as the United States grapples with a debate over its November election and how to deal with an expected wave of mail-in voting. President Trump, who has raised concerns about widespread voter fraud, has voiced support for “adjustments” to the election. However, in the U.S., the Constitution gives Congress the power to decide the timing of the election, which occurs on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. A change in federal law would be required to move the date.
Ardern, a member of New Zealand’s Labour Party, said she consulted with several other party leaders before deciding to move the election. However, some lawmakers have said they would prefer an even later date for the election.
After cases of COVID-19 were confirmed to have been locally transmitted in Auckland after 100 days without any community spread, the New Zealand government introduced strict lockdown measures in the island nation’s largest city. The rest of the country was placed under less strict measures that will be extended until at least Aug. 26.
New Zealand has had over 1,600 cases of the coronavirus and 22 related deaths. Of the total cases, more than 1,500 people have recovered.
