“Jacinda Ardern’s Mysterious Absence: Unraveling the Enigma Behind Her Withdrawal from New Zealand’s Election Campaign”

Where is Jacinda Ardern during New Zealand’s election campaign?

As New Zealand gears up for its upcoming election, one prominent figure seems to be noticeably absent from the campaign trail: former prime minister Jacinda Ardern. Since her surprise resignation in January 2023, Ardern has taken a step back from the political spotlight and is currently at Harvard University for a semester. This decision has left many observers wondering about the reasons behind her absence and the impact it may have on the election.

Ardern’s Impact on New Zealand Politics

Jacinda Ardern’s political career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Elected in 2017, she quickly rose to prominence and became widely popular in New Zealand and internationally. Her leadership during crises such as a deadly volcanic eruption, a mass shooting, and the Covid-19 pandemic garnered her praise and admiration. However, her time in office also came with its challenges, and she faced criticism and toxic behavior from some quarters.

This is likely one of the reasons behind Ardern’s non-involvement in the current election campaign. According to Sue Moroney, a former Labour MP, Ardern had become a “lightning rod for very toxic behavior and for any discontent people felt for a range of reasons.” The derogatory bullying and death threats she faced surely took their toll, making it somewhat of a relief for her not to be present in the country.

New Zealand’s Political Tradition

Another contributing factor to Ardern’s absence is the tradition in New Zealand politics where former prime ministers give their successors space to develop their own mandates and leadership styles. It is a pattern that has been observed with previous leaders as well. Richard Shaw, a political professor at Massey University, explains that Ardern’s appearance in the campaign could potentially rally the political right against Labour, rather than mobilizing the party faithful. To ensure a smooth transition and allow room for the new leader, Labour has strategically distanced itself from Ardern’s legacy.

Ardern’s Legacy and Public Perception

When Ardern left office, she cited burnout as one of the reasons for her resignation. The series of crises she faced during her time as prime minister, coupled with a drop in popularity among New Zealand voters, played a part in her decision. However, her international appeal remained high, and her departure raised questions about why New Zealand allowed such a high-caliber leader to step down.

Internationally, Ardern is still held in high regard for her handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. New Zealand’s response earned the country one of the world’s lowest per capita death rates. However, domestically, her time in office has become “entirely associated with Covid and the restrictions and the radicalization and polarization that’s followed from that,” explains Richard Shaw. The impact of the pandemic, such as closed international borders and the resulting separation of families, struggling businesses, and global isolation, eroded Ardern’s popularity at home.

Looking Ahead to the Election

While Ardern’s absence from the election campaign may raise eyebrows, her decision to step down has given Labour leader Hipkins a chance to redefine the party’s priorities. Ardern’s policies, such as climate change and child poverty, have been sidelined in favor of a focus on the cost of living and other pressing issues. Hipkins positions himself as a “change candidate” from Ardern’s political predecessor within the same party.

As New Zealand heads to the polls, it is essential to remember the broader context. Ardern’s presence at Harvard University during this time may be a strategic move to give the Labour Party a fighting chance without overshadowing the new leader. It is important to note that recent polls have shown a decline in support for Labour. The party’s challenge will be to maintain its base and attract undecided voters in the absence of Ardern’s star power.

While the impact of Ardern’s absence is yet to be fully realized, her decision to step down and give others the chance to take the reins reflects a commitment to the democratic process. New Zealanders will now have the opportunity to assess the new leadership and make their choices based on the policies and vision put forth by the current candidates.

is a current affairs commentator and writes for The New York Times.