New Zealand election under way

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- A hard-fought campaign is coming to an end in New Zealand with an election that could bring an end to Helen Clark's tenure as prime minister, observers say.

The last polls show a right-of-center coalition headed by John Key, leader of the National Party, expected to pick up a few more seats in parliament than the Clark's coalition, which combines Labor, the Green Party and the Progressive Party, The Australian reported.

Voting began Saturday morning local time.

Clark, who grew up on a farm and became a university lecturer, is a longtime Labor Party activist. She was elected to Parliament in 1981, became party leader in 1993 when it was in opposition and prime minister in 1993.

Key is a former investment banker who ran on the need for change. His coalition allies include Rodney Hide, a conservative who promises a crackdown on crime, and Peter Dunne, a Christian Democrat and former Clark ally.