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Towlie

(5,324 posts)
Mon Aug 17, 2020, 01:18 AM Aug 2020

Jacinda Ardern delays New Zealand's election. Compare this to Trump's attempt to delay ours.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53796434

The prime minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, has postponed the country's general election by a month amid a spike in coronavirus cases.

The vote was due to take place on 19 September but will now be held on 17 October instead.

Ms Ardern said on Monday that the new date would allow parties "to plan around the range of circumstances we will be campaigning under".

Earlier this week, the country's largest city went back into lockdown.

"This decision gives all parties time over the next nine weeks to campaign and the Electoral Commission enough time to ensure an election can go ahead," Ms Ardern said, adding that she had "absolutely no intention" of allowing any further delays to the vote.

The opposition National Party has argued the election should be delayed as restrictions on campaigning mean Ms Ardern had an unfair advantage.


Also see the CNN article

"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," she said.

Ardern said while the decision to change the election date rested solely with her as Prime Minister, she consulted with other party leaders as "moving an election date especially this late in an electoral cycle is a significant decision."

"In the end what matters most is what is in the best interests of voters and our democracy," she said. "Any decision to review the election date must be as free from partisan political interests as possible."
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