Dutch VVD party claims victory in election

Dutch Prime Minister and Liberal Party (VVD) leader Mark Rutte reacts on stage after the final results in the Netherlands' general election in The Hague Sept 13, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

THE HAGUE - Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced early Thursday that his liberal VVD party had won Wednesday's parliamentary election.

After 93 percent of the vote had been counted, the result showed that the VVD, or the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, won 41 out of the total 150 seats.

Should the victory be confirmed, it would be the second time in a row for the VVD to win parliamentary elections.

The VVD's archrival, the PvdA, was to garner 39 seats, according to the current result. PvdA chief Diederik Samsom has conceded defeat.

Dutch Labor Party Leader Diederik Samsom reacts on stage after the first results in the Netherlands' general election in Amsterdam Sept 12, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]