Media projections in Canada say Prime Minister Stephen Harper has won a mandate for a second minority government.

The Conservative is the first Western leader to contest an election since the financial crisis began.

Harper’s party platformed on the promise that they were the safest choice at a time of economic turmoil.

However, the projections put them short of winning a majority, which means they will still need opposition party support to govern.

The Liberals, led by Stephane Dion, look like they are trailing far behind in second place, and might end up with their worst showing in two decades.

The result would be Canada’s third minority government in four years.

Copyright © 2012 euronews