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Austria far-right candidate Norbert Hofer defeated in presidential poll Austria far-right candidate Norbert Hofer defeated in presidential poll
(35 minutes later)
Far-right candidate Norbert Hofer has lost Austria's presidential election.Far-right candidate Norbert Hofer has lost Austria's presidential election.
On Facebook, he described himself as "infinitely sad" and congratulated Alexander Van der Bellen, former head of the Greens, on his victory.On Facebook, he described himself as "infinitely sad" and congratulated Alexander Van der Bellen, former head of the Greens, on his victory.
The elections had been seen as a sign of how well populist candidates might do in upcoming elections in the EU, though the post is ceremonial. Although the post is ceremonial in Austria, the poll had been seen as a sign of how well populist candidates might do elsewhere in Europe.
The result is sure to be welcomed by establishment parties and officials in the EU. The result is sure to be welcomed by establishment parties and officials in the European Union.
France, the Netherlands and Germany all face elections next year in which anti-mainstream and anti-immigration parties are gaining ground.France, the Netherlands and Germany all face elections next year in which anti-mainstream and anti-immigration parties are gaining ground.
A referendum under way in Italy is being closely followed for further signs of anti-establishment populism, with polls suggesting a setback for centre-left Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.A referendum under way in Italy is being closely followed for further signs of anti-establishment populism, with polls suggesting a setback for centre-left Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
'Too close'
But the Austrian results surprised many.But the Austrian results surprised many.
Opinion polls in the run-up to Sunday's vote suggested the result was too close to call.Opinion polls in the run-up to Sunday's vote suggested the result was too close to call.
Projections based on early results now give Mr Van der Bellen roughly 53% to 46% for Mr Hofer. The margin could change, but officials said the result would not.Projections based on early results now give Mr Van der Bellen roughly 53% to 46% for Mr Hofer. The margin could change, but officials said the result would not.
Mr Van der Bellen hailed the result, calling it a vote for a "pro-European" Austria based on values like "freedom, equality and solidarity" backed by the majority of Austrians.
The election was a re-run of May's poll which suffered irregularities in the postal vote. Mr Van der Bellen also won in May.The election was a re-run of May's poll which suffered irregularities in the postal vote. Mr Van der Bellen also won in May.
Unity call
The election campaign ahead of Sunday's vote was bitter, with both candidates trading insults and election posters being defaced.
Mr Hofer, the candidate for the anti-immigration Freedom Party, conceded within minutes of the first projections in this rerun.Mr Hofer, the candidate for the anti-immigration Freedom Party, conceded within minutes of the first projections in this rerun.
He thanked supporters and described himself as "infinitely sad that it hasn't worked out".He thanked supporters and described himself as "infinitely sad that it hasn't worked out".
He called on all Austrians to work together, "regardless of how we cast our ballots".He called on all Austrians to work together, "regardless of how we cast our ballots".
Mr Hofer had campaigned on an anti-immigration platform amid disquiet in Austria at an influx of refugees. Establishment parties feared a victory for him could give a boost to the Freedom Party in the next parliamentary election.Mr Hofer had campaigned on an anti-immigration platform amid disquiet in Austria at an influx of refugees. Establishment parties feared a victory for him could give a boost to the Freedom Party in the next parliamentary election.
He had also suggested Austria could follow Britain's vote to leave the EU with a referendum of its own but later appeared to row back, suggesting changing the bloc into a purely economic association.He had also suggested Austria could follow Britain's vote to leave the EU with a referendum of its own but later appeared to row back, suggesting changing the bloc into a purely economic association.
Full official results are not expected until Monday once postal ballots have been counted. Full official results are not expected until Monday once postal ballots have been counted. Nearly 6.5 million Austrians were eligible to vote.
ProfilesProfiles
Alexander Van der BellenAlexander Van der Bellen
Norbert HoferNorbert Hofer