Polls are closed in the elections for Australia's new prime minister and it seems that Prime Minister John Howard has taken the lead over opponent
Mark Latham of the Labor Party, who campaigned on bringing home troops from Iraq. But the war in Iraq was not the main issue of concern for
Australians, who contributed 2000 soldiers to the Coalition. Voters were more concerned with Healthcare, Education and the Economy of the country.
The official results are not in as of yet, but again it looks likes PM Howard will claim victory.
ap.tbo.com
Howard "clearly will be re-elected prime minister tonight at his fourth election," Finance Minister Nick Minchin said on Australian Broadcasting
Corp. television.
Labor leaders were already pessimistic about their chances.
"I think at this stage of the evening it's going to be almost impossible for Labor to win this election," Labor Sen. Robert Ray told Channel Nine
television. "We are too far behind in too many seats at this stage for victory.
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While many may look to the Australian elections as a precursor for what may happen in future elections around the world, namely the USA and Britain,
the discontent of Australians regarding the country's involvement in Iraq didn't not play a significant role at all. In Australia, voting is
mandatory for all its citizens, who face a fine if they fail to show up at the polls.
Title has been updated
[edit on 10-9-2004 by worldwatcher]