VOTING IN AUSTRALIAN GENERAL ELECTIONS ENDS IN EASTERN STATES, COUNTING BEGINS

ANKARA, May 3 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Polling in Australia's parliamentary election has ended in eastern states, and the counting has begun, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. 

Polling centres have closed in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania, according to ABC News.

Earlier on Saturday morning, the polling began at 8 am local time, where more than 18 million Australians were registered to cast ballots under the country’s compulsory voting system.

Ballot counting began in the eastern states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, while voting continues in Western Australia, as the country has three different time zones.

The centre-left Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is seeking a second term after securing a narrow majority in 2022.

The main challenger is the centre-right Liberal-National Coalition, now led by Peter Dutton.

If neither bloc secures 76 seats in the 150-member House of Representatives, the country may again see a minority government, a scenario last seen in 2010.

Half of the Senate's 76 seats are also up for grabs.

Ballots will be counted immediately, but results may not be declared on election night, especially in close contests.

Postal votes will be tallied in the following days, according to Anadolu.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU