By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
The Country Liberal Party (CLP) is set to govern the Northern Territory following a significant swing against the incumbent Labor Party. According to ABC election analyst Antony Green, the current government has been decisively defeated, with the CLP expected to secure a majority, potentially a substantial one.
Former Chief Minister and Labor MP Natasha Fyles acknowledged the defeat, noting that while disappointing, politicians must always be prepared for such outcomes.
As the day progressed, voter turnout at polling booths slowed under the sweltering afternoon heat. With 6.6% of the votes counted, the CLP had achieved a 13.8% swing on a two party preferred basis. In the Fannie Bay electorate, Greens candidate Suki Dorras Walker led the CLP in early voting.
Over 85,000 Territorians voted ahead of election day, with polling stations seeing a decrease in activity as the day wore on. NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler, who earlier expressed concern about her marginal seat of Drysdale, suggested that the slow polling reflected a change in voter behavior, with many opting to pre poll or vote at shopping centers rather than traditional booths.
Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro spent most of the 32°C day at a polling booth in Palmerston, where she noted that many voters had "kept their cards close to the chest." Despite smaller numbers on election day, Finocchiaro was hopeful, stating that voters seemed determined and aware of the importance of casting their ballots.
Finocchiaro is poised to become the next Chief Minister, with early voting indicating a strong swing towards the CLP. Lawler, who took over as Labor leader in January, reflected on the hard work during the campaign, expressing pride in her candidates' efforts.
The election campaign was dominated by key issues such as the environment, crime, and the cost of living. In the northern Darwin seat of Fannie Bay, voting began slowly but picked up as market goers cast their ballots while grabbing breakfast. The trend of early voting was evident, with 61,000 people voting early, slightly more than in 2020. However, the overall participation rate dropped from 75% in 2020 to 65% this election, despite an increase in the number of registered voters.
