New Zealand election delayed as virus flares up

New Zealand is delaying its general elections after an outbreak that broke a three-month streak without new recorded cases of the coronavirus.

Leader Jacinda Ardern said Monday (August 17) the country will push back the election by a month to October 17th.

Ardern's been under pressure to put off the polls with political parties saying it's impossible to campaign in a way to ensure a free and fair election.

"Ultimately, the 17th of October, in approximately nine weeks' time, provides sufficient time for parties to plan around the range of circumstances we could be campaigning under, for the electoral commission to prepare and for voters to feel assured of a safe, accessible and credible election. Due to this decision, I am proposing that parliament reconvene tomorrow."

Ardern's earlier success in stifling COVID-19 and keeping the country virus-free for 102 days until the latest flare-up has boosted her popularity.

Ardern's opponents accuse her of using the pandemic to shore up support as she appears on television nearly every day to reassure New Zealanders while other party leaders struggle to get attention.

On Monday, New Zealand recorded 9 new infections, bringing the number of active cases to 78.

Ardern put Auckland, the country's largest city, under a two-week lockdown last week.