New Zealand PM John Key wins third term in office

New Zealand Prime Minister and leader of the National Party John Key, center, and his wife Bronagh and son Max cast their votes in the national election in Auckland, New Zealand, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014. Polls indicate Key's center-right National Party is the most popular party, and Key is the front-runner to remain the country's leader. (AP Photo/New Zealand Herald, Brett Phibbs) NEW ZEALAND OUT, AUSTRALIA OUT

Prime Minister John Key has won an emphatic victory in New Zealand’s general election to return for a third term in office.

Labour Party leader David Cunliffe said in a concession speech on Saturday night that he called Mr. Key to congratulate him on his victory.

The result will be seen as an endorsement of the way Mr. Key’s National Party has handed the economy.

With most votes counted, Mr. Key’s party had 48 per cent of the vote. The Labour Party, its closest rival, had just 25 per cent.

The result showed a swing to conservative parties, with liberal parties Labour and the Green Party losing ground.

Under New Zealand’s proportional voting system, parties typically must form coalitions to govern for the three-year terms. Mr. Key has several options for coalition partners.