Counting of votes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stormed to power in 2014, campaigned hard to retain his commanding majority.

He was up against the resurgent main opposition Congress party and powerful regional rivals across the country.

Exit polls have predicted a win for Mr Modi, but analysts warn they have often been wrong in the past.

The last of seven rounds of voting over six weeks ended on Sunday and the counting of the stored ballots begins at 08:00 local time (02.30GMT.)

Counting of votes has been taking place since voters went to the polls last Thursday in the provinces of Malampa, Penama, Shefa and Tafea.

The Reunification of Movements for Change (RMC) is reported to unofficially have secured the most seats followed by the Vanua’aku Party (VP).

Leaders Party Vanuatu (LPV) and Graon and Justice Party (GJP) are reported to be tied in third place.

Unofficial results indicate RMC have picked 14 seats, VP 12 seats, and LPV and GJP 10 seats each.