Power has changed hands in Canada where the Liberal Party has decisively won a general election, ending nearly a decade of conservative rule.
The centrist liberals, led by Justin Trudeau, started the campaign in third place but in a stunning turnaround now command a majority.
Mr Trudeau, the 43-year-old son of late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, said Canadians had voted for real change.
“Canadians from all across this great country sent a clear message tonight, it’s time for a change in this country, my friends, a real change,” he said.
The Liberal party won a surprise majority, taking 184 of the 338 seats in parliament with representatives in every province and roughly 40% of the popular vote.
Incumbent conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper has accepted defeat and his party says he would step down as leader.
