New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern calls September 19 election, faces tight race via pravemn
WELLINGTON - New Zealanders will go to polls on September 19 to decide on a second term for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and also to vote in referendums on the divisive issues of legalizing cannabis and euthanasia.
But her popularity at home has been affected by slowing economic growth and low business confidence, a failed state housing project and scandals within her coalition government. “I am not making predictions on this as it’s going to be a tight race,” said Grant Duncan, Associate Professor at Massey University in Auckland.
In an interview with Reuters last month, Ardern noted there was work to be done but her party was still polling higher than it was before the 2017 election.Ardern, 39, took the helm of the country as the world’s youngest female leader in 2017, a remarkable rise that dominated global headlines and generated the phrase “Jacinda-mania”.
She became only the second head of state after Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto to give birth while in office, attending the United Nations with her baby and partner in tow.“New Zealanders have seen that Labor and Jacinda Ardern can’t deliver,” National Party leader Simon Bridges said in a statement. “While there’s a lot of announcements, leadership means actually getting things done.”
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Zealand PM set to announce September 19 general election: reportsNew Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is set to announce a general el...
Read more »
New Zealand PM Ardern calls September electionThe centre-left leader announced Kiwis would go to the polls on September 19, two months ahead of the last possible date for the ballot, when she will seek a second three-year term.
Read more »
China extends Lunar New Year holiday as new virus toll risesChina's health minister warns that a new virus “is getting stronger” in its ability to spread, as the death toll rises to more than 80. There are more than 2,700 confirmed cases across the country.
Read more »
Paris cancels Lunar New Year parade over coronavirusParis-based Chinese associations have cancelled a Lunar New Year parade followin...
Read more »
Paris cancels Lunar New Year parade over coronavirusParis-based Chinese associations have cancelled a Lunar New Year parade followin...
Read more »
Nadal meets the 'new Nick' Kyrgios in fourth-round blockbusterWorld number one Rafa Nadal renews his rivalry with Nick Kyrgios in a blockbuste...
Read more »