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High-stakes poll in Canada

OTTAWA: Canada went to the polls on Monday with Prime Minister Stephen Harper seeking an elusive Conservative majority but fearful of being unseated by a late surge from the left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP).

For the fourth time in seven years Canadians will choose a new government. Opinion polls showed the Conservatives facing a strong challenge from Jack Layton's NDP and all eyes were on how this would play out on election day.

Support for the social democratic NDP grew rapidly towards the end of the five-week campaign, while the Conservatives have been unable to broach the 40 per cent mark that typically translates into a parliamentary majority.

Polls leading up to the election showed Conservatives in the lead with about 37 per cent support while the New Democratic Party polled at 31.7 per cent.

The Liberals, who governed for most of the last century and have traditionally been the second party in Canadian politics along with the Conservatives, appeared to be big losers with just over 20 per cent, along with the separatist Bloc Quebecois, who were polling at just 5.7 per cent. Analysts say that if the Conservatives fall short of a majority Mr. Harper could be in real trouble and the NDP and the Liberals could end up forming a coalition with Mr. Layton becoming Prime Minister.

Polling stations opened at 1100 GMT in the easternmost Atlantic island province of Newfoundland and Labrador, with others to elect a total of 308 MPs opening at staggered times across Canada. — AFP

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