WELLINGTON, New Zealand: Early voting started today (Monday) in New Zealand for the country’s October 14 general election, with conservative contender Christopher Luxon casting his ballot.
Early voting also began in some parts of Australia in a referendum that would enshrine in Australia’s constitution a mechanism for Indigenous people to advise Parliament on policies that affect their lives.
However, leading up to the elections, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins faced a setback as he tested positive for COVID-19. He affirmed his commitment to isolate for five days or until he returned a negative test, planning to engage in campaign activities through virtual platforms like Zoom.
The competition between the Prime Minister’s liberal Labour Party, headed by Hipkins, and the opposition National Party, led by Christopher Luxon, has been closely watched. Opinion polls have shown Luxon’s party ahead, prompting Hipkins to express determination to double his efforts upon returning to the campaign trail.
In a show of proactive planning, Luxon unveiled a 100-day action plan aimed at delivering tax relief, economic recovery, and enhanced law and order. He emphasized the desire for a government that prioritizes the needs of New Zealanders and executes efficiently.
On the Australian front, where voting is mandatory, early voting for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum has garnered significant attention. Approximately 98% of eligible Australians have registered to vote on this critical issue. The ‘Yes’ campaign, although trailing in opinion polls, remains hopeful, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressing optimism and urging one-on-one conversations to secure support for the potential change.
However, concerns have been raised by political opponents regarding the bipartisan nature of the referendum effort and the unanswered questions surrounding the practical implementation of the Indigenous Voice in Parliament. It is noteworthy that both countries find themselves on a similar timeline with their respective elections and this pivotal referendum occurring simultaneously.
