SYDNEY : Australia's conservative Prime Minister John Howard conceded defeat in elections Saturday, clearing the way for centre-left Labor Party leader Kevin Rudd to take power.
"A few minutes ago I telephoned Mr Rudd and I congratulated him and the Australian Labor Party on a very emphatic victory," Howard told emotional supporters in a speech broadcast live from his election headquarters.
"This is great democracy and I want to wish Mr Rudd well," said Howard, a close ally of US President George W. Bush in the "war on terror".
"He assumes the mantle of the 26th prime minister of Australia and I want to say that there is no prouder job a man can occupy than being the prime minister of Australia.
"I wish him well in the task that he will undertake and I want to say on behalf of the coalition that has governed this country for the last 11 and a half years that we bequeath to him a nation that is stronger and prouder.
"I have reformed the Australian economy and left it the envy of the world.
"I accept full responsibility for the Liberal Party campaign and therefore accept full responsibility for the Liberal Party's defeat," he said. - AFP/ch
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