7 November 2012 Last updated at 06:25

US election: Barack Obama re-elected as president

Barack Obama has been re-elected as US President.

Obama has secured enough votes from the different states to win four more years in the White House.

The president and his family were roared by the crowd in his hometown of Chicago as they turned up for his victory speech.

He said: "We have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back. We know in our hearts that for the United States of America the best is yet to come."

Defeated - Mitt Romney from the Republican Party

Obama has beaten his challenger Mitt Romney from the Republican Party, after a long and closely fought race.

Opinion polls had the two men neck and neck in the weeks leading up to the election.

Barack Obama and his family

US ELECTION 2012 RESULTS

• Barack Obama - 303 votes
• Mitt Romney - 206 votes

Florida still to declare

270 votes needed for victory

Each state allocated votes based on population

In his speech, Obama paid tribute to his wife and daughters Sasha and Malia: "You're growing up to be two strong, smart, beautiful women - just like your mum and I'm so proud of you guys."

He then joked: "But I will say for now, one dog's probably enough."

Obama also called his campaign team the "best ever".

Mitt Romney congratulated the president in his speech from his campaign base in Boston.

He said to his supporters: "I so wish that I had been able to fulfil your hopes to lead the country in a different direction."