Jacinda Ardern’s Election Victory: 19 October 2020

On October 19, 2020, Jacinda Ardern was officially declared the victor in New Zealand’s general election, securing a second term for her Labour Party. This victory signified a historic achievement as the Labour Party gained an absolute majority, an occurrence not seen since New Zealand implemented its mixed-member proportional representation (MMP) system in 1996.

Context Leading Up to the Election

In the years leading up to the 2020 election, Ardern’s leadership was marked by decisive and empathic actions, especially her handling of crises such as the Christchurch mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her government’s swift response to the pandemic, which involved one of the strictest lockdowns globally, received widespread international praise and bolstered her popularity within New Zealand.

Election Campaign

The Labour Party’s campaign focused heavily on the concept of “staying the course” with their collaborative leadership style, emphasizing stability during uncertain times. Ardern herself was a central figure in the campaign, using her widespread popularity to draw attention to the Labour platform, which included commitments to social welfare and comprehensive COVID-19 recovery plans.

Election Results

The Labour Party won 50% of the popular vote, securing 65 of the 120 parliamentary seats. This outcome allowed Labour to govern without requiring a coalition, a significant shift from the preceding term, which relied on a coalition with the New Zealand First party and a confidence-and-supply agreement with the Green Party.

Aftermath and Historical Significance

Ardern’s victory was not only a personal triumph but also a notable moment in New Zealand’s political history. The absolute majority allowed the Labour Party greater flexibility in enacting their policies without the need for cross-party negotiations typical of MMP systems. The election highlighted a shift towards centrist and socially-focused policies in response to strong public approval of Ardern’s compassionate leadership style.

Ardern’s second term commenced with pressing issues such as addressing housing shortages, climate change, and further management of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the electorate’s trust in her leadership to guide New Zealand through continuing global and national challenges.