Will Jacinda Ardern win another term in office?

Jacinda Ardern has shown exemplary leadership since she took office as prime minister of New Zealand in October 2017.

She has been a global inspiration for progressives who have lost their trust in political leaders and who are seeking hope for a better future and an inclusive style of politics.

Let’s recall the moments that have made her stand out on the international stage.

Jacinda is New Zealand’s third woman prime minister. But she attracted international attention during the 2017 election as she was 37 years old at that time.

Having taken office as prime minister, she became the world’s second elected head of government to give birth to a baby while in office. She took six weeks parental leave.

On 15 March 2019, two mosques in Christchurch, NZ, were attacked by a lone gunman who killed 51 worshippers. Ms Ardern’s responses to that terrorist attack were praised internationally. Her compassionate embrace of the victims, and her reaching out to Muslims at large, drew many positive comments.

Ms Ardern’s leadership in response to the Covid-19 pandemic has been widely praised for its clarity, compassion and respect for scientific medical advice. New Zealand was comparatively successful at bringing the virus under control and its death-toll was relatively low.

In an age of skepticism and distrust about politics and politicians, Jacinda stands out as a beacon of hope. But domestic politics in New Zealand is not that simple.

In spite of international acclaim for Jacinda, there is no guarantee that, after the election on 19 September, she will have a second term as prime minister.

Many New Zealanders are suffering from the economic consequences of the pandemic, including unemployment and business closures, especially in tourism. Opinion polls have been very volatile, and the opposition National Party has chosen a new female leader, Judith Collins.

This blog will keep you up to date with the major events in the 2020 New Zealand election.