No surprises in New Zealand as jubilant New Zealand prime minister John Key is returned to power in a general election.
The popular leader has been seen as a safe pair of hands in a country that recently faced earthquakes, a coal mine disaster and the global economic urmoil.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER, JOHN KEY, SAYING:
"What an awesome night. And what a fabulous night to be supporting the New Zealand National Party. And can I tell you, it's a fabulous night to be the leader of the National Party."
With more than half the votes counted, the National Party currently had 48% of the vote, projecting 60 seats in the 121 seat parliament.
At the opposition Labour party HQ in Auckland, which took just 27 percent of the vote and could lose 9 seats, party leader Phil Goff remained defiant.
SOUNDBITE) (English) LABOUR PARTY LEADER, PHIL GOFF, SAYING:
" We're a bit bloodied, but we're not defeated. And we're not defeated because the things that we believe in are things worth fighting for - a fairer New Zealand."
The final tally of seats could change when thousands of absentee votes are counted over the next two weeks.
Sunita Rappai,Reuters
