Conservatives look set to form gov't after Australia vote
Posted May 19, 2019 7:00 am
SYDNEY (AP) - Prime Minister Scott Morrison looks set to form a majority government as counting of votes from Australia's election allays fears his conservative coalition may have to rule in the minority.
With 76 seats needed for majority rule, figures from the Australian Electoral Commission on Monday showed 84 % of votes had been counted and the coalition was on target to win 77 seats, a rise of four after going into Saturday's election as a minority government with 73 seats.
The opposition Labor Party - which was widely expected to win the election - is set to claim 68 seats, with independents and minor parties taking six.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, center, embraces his daughters Lily, right, and Abbey, after his opponent concedes defeat in the federal election in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, May 19, 2019. Australia's ruling conservative coalition, lead by Morrison, won a surprise victory in the country's general election, defying opinion polls that had tipped the center-left opposition party to oust it from power and promising an end to the revolving door of national leaders. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
The Associated Press
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, second left, arrives on stage to speak to party supporters flanked by his wife, Jenny, left, and daughters Lily, and Abbey, right, after his opponent concedes in the federal election in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, May 19, 2019. Australia's ruling conservative coalition, lead by Morrison, won a surprise victory in the country's general election, defying opinion polls that had tipped the center-left opposition party to oust it from power and promising an end to the revolving door of national leaders. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
The Associated Press
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison gestures as he speaks to party supporters after his opponent concedes defeat in the federal election in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, May 19, 2019. Australia's ruling conservative coalition, lead by Morrison, won a surprise victory in the country's general election, defying opinion polls that had tipped the center-left opposition party to oust it from power and promising an end to the revolving door of national leaders. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
The Associated Press
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