Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured a second term following a closely contested election, marking a significant upset for the conservative Liberal-National coalition led by Peter Dutton. Early projections from the Australian Electoral Commission indicate that the Labor Party is set to win at least 70 out of 150 House seats. Dutton acknowledged his defeat, congratulating Albanese but expressed disappointment over the outcome.
Key issues shaping the election included rising living costs, high interest rates, and a lack of affordable housing, as well as concerns regarding geopolitical relations with China, Australia’s largest trading partner. Many voters were influenced by perceptions of former President Donald Trump, with a substantial portion of the electorate expressing distrust in U.S. leadership.
Albanese, who first rose to power in 2022, ran on a platform emphasizing tax cuts, support for young homebuyers, and additional funding for healthcare. His campaign contrasts with Dutton’s, which often mirrored Trump’s policies, prompting an anti-Trump sentiment that may have swayed voters away from the conservatives. Pre-election polls had suggested a strong possibility of a Labor majority, predicting Dutton’s coalition would face significant losses.
With an expectation of independent candidates and minor parties capturing around 13 seats, Albanese may need to form a coalition if he does not achieve an outright majority. The election occurred against a backdrop of compulsory voting, with millions participating early. This victory also reflects broader anti-Trump sentiment seen in other countries, such as Canada, where a previous election yielded similar backlash against Trump’s influence.
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