Canada voted in its first new leader in 10 years, as a general election handed Justin Trudeau's Liberal party an absolute majority -- and a stunning blow to incumbent Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
"This is what positive politics can do," Trudeau, son of late prime minister Pierre Trudeau, told supporters in Ottawa early Tuesday morning as the last few results trickled in.
"I didn't make history tonight, you did," CNN quoted Trudeau, 46, as saying.
The Liberals are leading in 184 districts, which would give them a majority. A total of 170 seats are needed for a majority.
The victory denied a fourth term to Harper, 56, and his Conservative party. Since Canada does not have term limits, Harper has held the position since 2006.
Harper conceded defeat but said he would remain in parliament as a lawmaker.
"We put everything on the table, we gave everything we had to give and we have no regrets," he said.
"The people of Canada have elected a Liberal government, which we accept without hesitation," Harper added.
Meanwhile, the left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP) is on course to win 44 seats, less than half the number they held in the outgoing parliament.
Voting took place on Sunday.
