CANBERRA:  Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Saturday called a general election for August 21, kicking off a bitter campaign battle over asylum seekers, economic management and climate change.

"Today I seek a mandate from the Australian people to lead Australia forward," she told a press conference after seeking permission from Governor-General Quentin Bryce, the representative of Queen Elizabeth II. "This morning I asked Her Excellency the governor-general to dissolve the House of Represenatatives so that elections can occur for the House and half of the Senate on Saurday, August 21."

BDST: 0912 HRS, 17 July 2010