Counting is underway in the Northern Territory election after voters went to the polls on Saturday, with early figures suggesting a landslide defeat for the Labor government. The Country Liberal Party (CLP) is projected to win a large majority, according to the Australian Electoral Commission's count.
Early Results Point to CLP Victory
With more than a third of votes counted, the CLP has secured a commanding lead in the seat count, winning several seats from Labor and independents. The ABC's election analyst Antony Green has projected the CLP will form government, with Labor's primary vote collapsing across the territory.
Labor's defeat appears to be driven by a swing against the party in both Darwin and the bush, with voters citing cost-of-living pressures and dissatisfaction with the government's performance. The CLP's campaign, led by Lia Finocchiaro, focused on economic management and crime reduction.
Labor Concedes Defeat
In a statement, Chief Minister Eva Lawler conceded defeat, saying the Labor Party had "listened to the message" from voters. "The people of the Northern Territory have spoken, and we respect their decision," she said. "It has been a privilege to serve, and I wish the incoming government well."
The CLP's Lia Finocchiaro is set to become the new chief minister, leading the first CLP government in the territory since 2016. The final composition of the legislative assembly will be confirmed as counting continues, but the CLP is on track to win a comfortable majority.
