New Zealand has postponed a general election until Oct. 17 as a result of a new COVID-19 outbreak, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.
The opposition has repeatedly called on the government to reschedule the election saying proceeding as scheduled Sept. 19 would be unfair and unjust.
Auckland, New Zealand's most populated city, has been placed under level-three restrictions which include a two-week lockdown. The restrictions also preclude election campaigning. The delay will allow officials to free up facilities for early balloting during a school break, Ardern said. Other parts of New Zealand were placed on level-two restrictions until Aug. 26.
Based on the advice of election and justice officials a "safe and accessible election" is much preferred starting Oct. 17, Ardern said. The prime minister can reschedule the polls by up to two months.
New Zealand had reported zero infections for 102 days before the latest outbreak. It had allowed citizens to return to normal activities. Before the reemergence of the virus businesses like restaurants and fitness centers had seen a revival in customer numbers.
The country, with 4.8 million people, implemented a five-week lockdown at the start of the virus and this resulted in widespread closings of businesses and schools from March 25. Most New Zealanders were forced to stay home during the lockdown.
New Zealand reported 49 cases of the virus in the latest outbreak associated with a cluster and 20 more connected to outside travel as of Sunday. Health authorities said people returning from overseas were required to undergo a compulsory 14-day isolation.
