By Alex Schlotzer:
Well who would’ve predicted this outcome?
The AEC is saying that there are still some days to go before the final result is known as pre-polls, absentee and postal votes have to be counted. So while there could be still be some changes in the result, voters’ overall rejection of the major parties is clear.
In any respect the Australian voters have made their voice heard. It’s hard to say what were the motivations behind individual voters and the final reasons that lead them to vote the way they voted however this was my experience, while handing out ‘How-To-Vote’ (HTV) cards in a very safe Labor seat.
From what was overheard in my electorate on election day, most people voted the way they’ve always voted, either Labor or Liberal. There was a noticeable difference though, with a lot of voters more than prepared to take a Greens HTV card, saying they’d have a look – something you don’t often hear during the day. Of course there were a few lighter moments during the day with a few people expressing their extreme dislike of ‘forcing people to vote’. There were also a few more first-time voters which also made a difference. It was rather pleasing the Liberal vote on the booth I spent the day at, went down.
Most people were very polite, and in the usual Australian way, took everyone’s HTV cards, which also disguises for whom they’re voting.
A frustration that I have at the moment is the regular reference by the Liberals about how they won the popular vote, on primary votes, when the ALP still leads each individual party on votes. Even on a 2PP basis, the AEC shows that the ALP is clinging on with a 50.68 to 49.32 lead.
Anyway, I’d suggest while you’re watching ABC News 24 (and I know you are!) to also check out the AEC’s official results to cross-reference the ‘analysis’. There appears obvious that the parliament is heading for a hung parliament, Australia’s first since the first Menzies Government at the beginning of the Second World War and experts are starting to reach for the constitution for an answer. This could very well be the case, meaning there could be some role for the Governor-General.
So far it’s proving to be a fantastic election outcome, but there’s still some exciting times ahead.
This article was originally published in Alex Schlotzer’s blog.
Share on FacebookAlex Schlotzer is a straight talker when it comes to politics and loves to vent his spleen. Actively involved in Australian and international politics with a keen understanding of the dynamics of the political machine, Alex has a prolific online presence and has been a cyber activist for over 15 years. Regional editor of theangle.org, he can also be found at his blog and his exciting online project Australian Politics TV
