Australia Elections 2016: Coalition Government Expected to Win

Australia is holding federal elections, where the conservative coalition government is widely expected to win.

PM Malcolm Turnball and opposition leader Bill Shorten delivered their final pitches to voters on July 1 after a marathon eight-week campaign.

The UK’s decision to leave the EU appears to have benefitted PM Malcolm Turnbull.

Labor Party leader Bill Shorten said he still intended to win.

Bill Shorten is already answering questions about his leadership in the event of a loss, with frontbencher Anthony Albanese reportedly keen to challenge.

Nearly 15.5 million people are casting their ballots across Australia, where voting is compulsory.

During the campaign, the government and Labor have sparred over the economy, healthcare, immigration and same-gender marriage.

While the government is widely expected to retain power, it is also expected to lose many seats and tight polls indicate a high chance of a hung parliament.

As the result of Brexit referendum became clear, Malcolm Turnbull assured voters that he could deliver “economic certainty”.

The former lawyer and investment banker vowed to deliver tax cuts for workers and small businesses.

In contrast, Bill Shorten has promised to make his first priority legalizing same-gender marriage.

Disappointed with Australia’s two major political forces, many disenfranchised voters have turned to smaller parties.

An electoral flight to the independents could force the next government to walk a legislative minefield.

The Greens – who have 10 senators and one lower house lawmaker – are predicted to win more seats, particularly in inner-city areas where climate change and the treatment of refugees are major concerns.

Senator Nick Xenophon’s new pro-protectionism and anti-gambling party could control the balance of power in the event of a hung parliament.

Pauline Hanson, the founder of the far-right One Nation party, is a chance to re-enter politics on an anti-immigration platform.

A string of minor and micro parties with wildly diverse agendas are also running for both lower and upper house seats.