Wellington (New Zealand), October 2: Early voting has officially kicked off in New Zealand, marking the beginning of the nation’s lead-up to the general election scheduled for October 14. In a notable move, conservative contender Christopher Luxon exercised his right to vote, emphasizing the significance of citizen participation in the democratic process.
Simultaneously, early voting also commenced in certain regions of Australia, where a crucial referendum is underway. This referendum aims to incorporate into Australia’s constitution a mechanism for Indigenous people to provide advice to Parliament concerning policies that directly impact their lives.
Despite its significance, New Zealand’s political landscape faced an unexpected twist when Prime Minister Chris Hipkins tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday. While committing to a five-day isolation period or until he returns a negative test result, Hipkins has expressed his intention to uphold certain engagements through virtual platforms such as Zoom. This development added a layer of complexity to the ongoing campaign, where Hipkins and his liberal Labour Party have been trailing behind the opposition National Party, led by Christopher Luxon, in public opinion polls.
Following the setback, Luxon unveiled a 100-day action plan that he believes will lead to tax relief, economic revitalization, and the restoration of law and order. Luxon emphasized the importance of a government that prioritizes the concerns of New Zealanders and takes decisive action to address them.
Meanwhile, across the Tasman Sea in Australia, where voting is compulsory, the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum has garnered significant attention. An impressive 98 percent of eligible Australians have registered to participate in the referendum, which seeks to establish a framework for Indigenous people to provide advice to the Australian Parliament.
Early voting for the referendum commenced in four states and territories on Monday, with the remaining four regions set to follow suit on Tuesday following a public holiday observance.
Despite trailing in public opinion polls, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a proponent of the potential constitutional change, remains optimistic. He stressed the importance of engaging in one-on-one conversations to encourage a ‘Yes’ vote, aligning with the wishes of the overwhelming majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.