ANKARA 

Australia on Saturday began counting ballots as millions voted to elect a new government.

Polling in Australia's parliamentary election ended in both eastern and western states, according to ABC News.

Polls were closed earlier in eastern states due to the Pacific nation's three different time zones.

Earlier on Saturday morning, the polling began at 8 am local time (2200GMT Friday) where more than 18 million Australians were registered to cast ballots under the country’s compulsory voting system.

With nearly 5% of the vote counted so far, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor party is ahead of the Coalition as ballots from the east have begun to be counted.

The center-left Labor Party, led by Albanese, is seeking a second term after securing a narrow majority in 2022.

The main challenger is the center-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.

Economic issues have dominated the campaign, with inflation, rising living costs, and housing affordability taking center stage.

Political analyst Nathan Fioritti noted that both major parties have struggled to offer substantial solutions.

“Support may shift toward smaller players like the Greens, who are proposing more transformative policies,” he said.

Fioritti predicted a similar pattern to 2022 when Labor and the Coalition each secured roughly 30% of the vote.

“There is growing frustration with the political status quo,” he said.

Amid that backdrop, independents and minor parties, particularly the progressive Greens and "Teal" independents, could again become power brokers.

Seven Teal MPs currently hold seats, having unseated the Liberals in traditionally safe districts by focusing on climate policy and transparency.

Campaigns like the Muslim Vote movement are also targeting key marginal seats, especially in response to Australia’s perceived stance on the onslaught in the Gaza Strip.

“The issue could influence voters sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, potentially affecting the formation of a minority government,” said Fioritti.

While domestic challenges dominate, international concerns are also influencing voter sentiment.

US President Donald Trump’s second term has brought unpredictability to global affairs, prompting voters to weigh which party could best manage the Australia-US alliance.

Still, experts believe the Trump factor remains a background concern compared to economic matters.

“Trump’s shadow is present but not central,” said Charles Miller from the Australian National University.

On foreign relations, both major parties are expected to continue Australia’s strategic alignment with the US, while cautiously engaging China on trade.

“A softer approach to the US is expected, regardless of the outcome,” said Fioritti.

Voting in Australia is compulsory, with non-participation fined 20 Australian dollars ($13).

Since its introduction in 1924, voter turnout has consistently exceeded 90%, making Australia one of the highest-participating democracies in the world.