Danish PM wins election: exit polls

Denmark’s prime minister has won a second term in office, according to an exit poll reported on national television. Victory at the ballot box was widely predicted for Anders Fogh Rasmussen and his centre-right coalition, even though in recent days the opposition enjoyed a last-minute surge in support.

The exit poll indicates Rasmussen’s Liberals and right wing allies will take over 90 of the 179 parliamentary seats up for grabs – giving them a majority. It would mean another spell in opposition for the centre-left, led by Social Democrat Mogens Lykketoft. Domestic issues have dominated the debate with education, unemployment and pensions among the many talking points.

The premier’s crackdown on asylum-seekers and cuts in Denmark’s high taxes have won him widespread support. His decision to keep Danish troops in Iraq has not proved so popular with six out of ten Danes supporting a withdrawal.

However the issue took a back seat in the election campaign.

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