Voters in Newfoundland and Labrador have elected a Liberal government, confounding critics and pollsters who said the incumbent party had been hobbled by a stalled economy and a disinterested electorate.
With most of the polls reporting, the Liberals were elected or leading in 20 ridings, the Tories were at 15, the New Democrats had three and there were two Independents. A total of 21 seats is needed for a majority.
Led by Premier Dwight Ball, the Liberals secured their second term in office. Ball, a 62-year-old former pharmacist, easily won his seat in western Newfoundland.
