Greece election: Alexis Tsipras hails 'victory of the people'

Greece's Alexis Tsipras has said his left-wing Syriza party has a "clear mandate" after winning the country's fifth election in six years.

But he said Greeks faced a difficult road and recovery from financial crisis would only come through hard work.

With nearly all votes counted, Syriza had won more than 35% of the vote.

That was short of a majority, but Syriza will form a coalition with the nationalist Independent Greeks. Conservative New Democracy won 28%.

The far-right Golden Dawn is set to be the third biggest party, with about 7% of the vote.

The snap election was called after Syriza lost its majority in August. This followed the signing of an unpopular new financial bailout deal with international creditors.

Turnout in Sunday's poll was just over 55%, down from 63% in January and low by Greek standards.

"I feel vindicated because the Greek people have a clear mandate to carry on fighting inside and outside our country to uphold the pride of our people," Mr Tsipras told supporters in Athens.

"In Europe today, Greece and the Greek people are synonymous with resistance and dignity, and this struggle will be continued together for another four years.

New Democracy leader Vangelis Meimarakis offered his congratulations to Mr Tsipras

"We have difficulties ahead, but we are also on firm ground. We won't recover from the struggle by magic, but it can happen with hard work."

Mr Tsipras was joined on stage by Panos Kammenos, leader of the the nationalist Independent Greeks, who also entered a coalition with Syriza after the previous election in January.

"Together we will continue the struggle we began seven months ago," Mr Tsipras said.

Analysis: Paul Moss, BBC News, Athens

They expected victory, but not by this kind of margin. Projections now suggest that the radical left-wing Party Syriza will hold on to power in the Greek Parliament, and with almost enough seats for a majority.

Only days ago, pollsters and pundits were predicting a tight-run contest, Syriza neck-and-neck with its conservative rivals, New Democracy. Instead, Syriza can comfortably form a coalition government with its previous partner, the nationalist Independent Greeks.

Critics wondered whether it was worth holding a contest which left Greece with the same government as before. But Syriza's leader, Alexis Tsipras, is now in a stronger position, his decision to accept austerity measures in return for bailout cash apparently vindicated by the result.

Yet celebrations have been muted - hundreds not thousands gathering to sing, dance and wave flags. This country has more tough times ahead: tax rises, perhaps further cuts to wages and benefits. The re-elected Prime Minister has an in-box that no-one could envy.

Syriza supporters celebrate at the party's electoral HQ in Athens

Panos Kammenos said his Independent Greeks would join a coalition with Syriza

New Democracy leader Vangelis Meimarakis earlier conceded defeat to Mr Tsipras, saying: "I congratulate him and urge him to create the government which is needed."

The latest projection gives Syriza 145 seats in the 300-seat parliament, with New Democracy on 75. This is only four fewer than Mr Tsipras's thumping victory in January, but again leaves him just short of an absolute majority.

But the Independent Greeks are likely to get 10 seats.