In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today called a General Election on 19th of September, two months ahead of the last possible date for the ballot. Ms Ardern said that she will be asking New Zealanders to continue to support her leadership and the current direction of the government. She is seeking a second three-year term.<br />''<br />''The 39-year-old's first term won her international fame. She became a mother while in office and received praise for her sensitive handling of the Christchurch mosques killings and the White Island volcano tragedy.<br />''<span style="color: #222222;"><br />''But while she has been feted overseas, opinion polls show her standing at home has slipped. New Zealand economy has struggled under low growth, while the cost of living has risen. </span><br />