BARACK Obama has been re-elected as US president.

His rival Mitt Romney told supporters he had called President Obama to congratulate him on his victory.

The former Massachusetts governor insisted he and running mate Paul Ryan had “given our all” to the campaign and said he wished his Democrat opponent well.

Republican Mr Romney urged his supporters to pray for the re-elected president as returns to the White House against a backdrop of economic gloom.

He added: “I so wish that I had been able to fulfil your hopes to lead the country in a different direction but the nation chose another leader and so I join with you to earnestly pray for him and for this great nation.”