New Zealand to hold elections on September 19,2020

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday Jan 28,2020 called an election for September 19, in a contest that will test whether her support at home matches her widespread popularity overseas.

Jacinda Ardern's centre-left Labour Party-led coalition came to power in 2017, and is seeking a second term.

"I will be asking New Zealanders to continue to support my leadership and the current direction of the government, which is grounded in stability, a strong economy and progress on the long-term challenges facing New Zealand," Ardern told

In addition to electing the next government, New Zealanders will also take part in a double referendum at the 2020 polls, as they vote on whether to legalise recreational cannabis and euthanasia.

The parliament will be officially dissolved on August 12 and until then the government will function as usual, Jacinda Ardern said.