Basking under the glory of a third consecutive victory, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key credited his electoral success to the capable handling of the country's fragile economy.The National Party under John Key rode to a historic victory and secured a third term in the election held on Sept 20 with 48 per cent of the popular vote and also achieved the feat of a single majority, with 61 seats in the 121 member Parliament. This was a record by any political party since the introduction of MMP in 1996, reported Agence France Presse

No Place For Arrogance

A jubilant Key told media persons that he considered the verdict as "the most pleasing result" he hoped for. He also outlined the inherent dangers in a third term. For Mr. Key, the next three years will be expended to ensure that that the National keeps its feet on the ground, as a third term for most Governments pose come with the risk of getting arrogant.

Mr. Key warned that he would not brook any sign of arrogance from any quarter, including the ministers and caucus. The National must stay connected with its supporters and New Zealand public. Promising to retain the centrist ground of his party, Mr. Key assured that he will not move his party's existing path and take it to the right.

Tumultous Campaign

This election was the most happening and tumultuous at the campaign front. The PM faced the worst allegations of power misuse such as dirty politics and mass spying, during the campaign, noted the AFP report. But all such charges seemed to have failed at the hustings and only bolstered the mass support of Mr. Key.

Even a comfortable working majority has not made Mr. Key narrow minded. If his words are to be believed, Mr. Key wants to offer new roles for the erstwhile coalition partners such as ACT, United Future and the Maori Party, in the new administration.

The badly routed opposition parties can rejoice as Mr. Key promised to start his innings in the new term with an administration that will be "for all New Zealanders". Mr. Key also hinted that his next aim will be a fourth term at the next election in 2017. But Mr. Key reasoned that he must deliver before qualifying for that opportunity.