New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that will not seek re-election and plans to step down no later than early February, Reuters reports.
A general election would be held on October 14, she added.
"This summer, I had hoped to find a way to prepare for not just another year, but another term - because that is what this year requires," a visibly emotional Ardern said during the statement. "I have not been able to do that."
Her term will conclude no later than February 7, according to Reuters.
Ardern said she believed the New Zealand Labour Party would win the upcoming election and added that a vote to elect the next Labour leader would be held on Sunday.