Ankara: Australia on Saturday began counting ballots as millions voted to elect a new government.
According to Anadolu Agency, polling in Australia's parliamentary election concluded in both eastern and western states. These polls were closed earlier in eastern states due to the Pacific nation's three different time zones.
Earlier on Saturday morning, voting commenced at 8 am local time (2200GMT Friday), with over 18 million Australians registered to participate under the country's compulsory voting system. With nearly 5% of the vote counted so far, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor party is leading the Coalition as ballots from the east have started to be tallied.
The center-left Labor Party, led by Albanese, is aiming for a second term after achieving a narrow majority in 2022. The main opposition comes from the center-right Liberal-National Coalition, now led by Peter Dutton. Should neither bloc secure 76 seats in the 150-member House of Representatives, Australia may face a minority government, a scenario last seen in 2010. Additionally, half of the Senate's 76 seats are also up for election.
Economic issues have been at the forefront of the campaign, with inflation, rising living costs, and housing affordability being key concerns. Political analyst Nathan Fioritti noted that both major parties have struggled to provide substantial solutions. 'Support may shift toward smaller players like the Greens, who are proposing more transformative policies,' he said.
Fioritti predicted a pattern similar to 2022 when Labor and the Coalition each garnered roughly 30% of the vote. 'There is growing frustration with the political status quo,' he remarked. Amid this environment, independents and minor parties, particularly the progressive Greens and "Teal" independents, could once again become power brokers. Seven Teal MPs currently hold seats, having previously unseated the Liberals in traditionally safe districts by emphasizing climate policy and transparency.
Efforts such as the Muslim Vote movement are targeting pivotal marginal seats, especially in response to Australia's perceived stance on the conflict in the Gaza Strip. 'The issue could influence voters sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, potentially affecting the formation of a minority government,' Fioritti stated.
While domestic challenges take precedence, international issues are also shaping voter sentiment. US President Donald Trump's second term has introduced unpredictability to global affairs, prompting voters to consider which party could best manage the Australia-US alliance. Nonetheless, experts believe the Trump factor remains a peripheral concern compared to economic matters. 'Trump's shadow is present but not central,' commented Charles Miller from the Australian National University.
On foreign relations, both major parties are anticipated to maintain Australia's strategic alignment with the US while cautiously engaging China on trade. 'A softer approach to the US is expected, regardless of the outcome,' Fioritti noted.
Voting in Australia is mandatory, with non-participation resulting in a fine of 20 Australian dollars ($13). Since its implementation in 1924, voter turnout has consistently exceeded 90%, making Australia one of the highest-participating democracies globally.