[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has officially announced an early general election next month, challenging for a third term in office.
According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 16th (local time), Prime Minister Trudeau requested the dissolution of the House of Commons from Governor General Mary Simon on the 15th and received approval.
Accordingly, the general election originally scheduled for October 2023 will be held on the 20th of next month, more than two years earlier than planned.
At a press conference immediately after the approval, Trudeau said, "This election will be held at a critical moment for Canada," adding, "Decisions made now will affect not only the coming months but also the decades ahead."
Trudeau’s decision to advance the election is interpreted as an attempt to seek a third term amid favorable conditions for the ruling Liberal Party, which has benefited from its response to COVID-19.
In Canada, 71% of residents have completed vaccination, placing the country among the leaders in developed nations.
Trudeau, who became Prime Minister in 2015 after serving as leader of the Liberal Party, successfully secured re-election in October 2019. However, at that time, the Liberal Party did not achieve an outright majority of the 338 seats in the House of Commons, leading a minority government during his second term.
According to a poll conducted on the 12th, the Liberal Party’s support stands at 35%, the main opposition Conservative Party at 30%, and the left-leaning New Democratic Party at 19%.
At the press conference, Trudeau stated, "Canadians must choose how to end COVID-19, rebuild better, complete vaccinations, and overcome the crisis," adding, "The government you choose will determine the future in which your children and descendants will grow up."
The opposition parties have all launched their election campaigns but criticized the timing of the election amid the fourth wave of COVID-19 driven by the Delta variant.
Conservative Party leader Erin O'Toole said, "Thanks to the efforts of all Canadians who participated in working from home, testing, and vaccinations, we have finally reached a point where we can meet family and friends," adding, "We must not trade this for political games or political gain."
The New Democratic Party also labeled it a "selfish summer election." The Bloc Quebecois criticized it as an "irresponsible election held solely due to Prime Minister Trudeau’s personal ambition."
Bloomberg News noted, "Most Canadians support Prime Minister Trudeau’s pandemic response," but cautioned, "If the fourth wave worsens during the election campaign, it could damage his support base."
Felix Matthew, a political science professor at the University of Winnipeg, told Bloomberg, "This is the only opportunity for Prime Minister Trudeau now," adding, "When schools and universities reopen in two weeks, COVID-19 cases will inevitably increase."
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