Politics
Jacinda Ardern is making an announcement about whether the election will go ahead on 19 September, or whether it will be delayed. #Breaking: election date to be moved to 17th October.
The Covid-19 outbreak in Auckland has forced the suspension of political campaigning and prompted calls to postpone the general election.
Earlier today, Health Minister Chris Hipkins told Morning Report there isn’t a risk-free option.
“Who knows what may happen in any given week or month,” he said.
Latest from live update:
- The resurgence plan is in full spring she said however the reemergence of Covid-19 at the beginning of election campaigning is a problem – Jacinda Ardern
- Participation of voters, ensuring a fair election and certainty that the election is held in a timely way are all key considerations – Jacinda Ardern.
- The electoral commission will be able to leverage and draw on much of the work all ready undertaken for this date, Ardern says.
- Prime Minister Ardern says Parliament will reconvene tomorrow.
- The dissolution of Parliament will now take place 6 September and 3 October is when advanced voting will begin.
- The election will be held on 17 October – Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
“The question the prime minister will be weighing up today is what’s the best thing from a logistical perspective in making sure that everybody can vote and everybody’s vote can be counted.”
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has said he wants the election delayed, saying there is now no ability to conduct a free and fair election on 19 September.
The decision is solely in the hands of Ardern, who took the weekend to look at the latest advice from justice officials and spoke to a number of different people.
If the dissolution of Parliament does not go ahead today as scheduled, an election date later than 19 September will have to be chosen.
Watch Jacinda Ardern making the announcement here at around 10am:
https://youtu.be/H8jhjr_KbIA