Labour, Coalition launch bids to secure power in Australia

Canberra: After an extraordinary federal election where both the leading contenders for power ended up near equal in results it is likely that Australians may have to wait up to ten days to learn if incumbent Labour or challengers Coalition (Liberal-National) will be able to form the new government.

Counting of more than one million outstanding votes is yet to take place, and the close election has made even postal ballots crucial to the outcome in some constituencies.

Stuck with a hung parliament, prime minister Julia Gillard and Opposition leader Tony Abbott opened talks with three independent and one Greens MP whose support will now be critical to forming a new government.

By the last count Labour has 70 seats and the Coalition 72 – both short of the 76 majority needed to govern in their own right. The House of Representatives has 150 seats. Voting was also held for 40 of the Senate's 76 seats.

Voting is mandatory in Australia. 

Although all three independents have previous ties to the National Party, they have indicated they would act as true independents rather than guarantee their support to the Coalition. The Greens winning candidate Adam Bandt has indicated he may side with Labour.