The political landscape in Victoria is poised for significant changes as the outcome of nine key federal seats remains uncertain following the ongoing vote counting from the recent election. Prominent figures facing potential electoral defeat include Greens leader Adam Bandt and teal independents Zoe Daniel and Monique Ryan.
Bandt, who is contesting his Melbourne seat, has expressed optimism about his chances despite a formidable challenge from Labor’s candidate, Sarah Witty. Meanwhile, the Greens have acknowledged losses in the Brisbane and Griffith seats, highlighting a mixed electoral performance overall.
In Melbourne’s Goldstein constituency, Daniel is battling to retain her seat against former MP Tim Wilson from the Liberal Party. Analysts suggest she will need a substantial number of postal votes to secure her position. Similarly, Ryan is marginally leading incumbent Amelia Hamer in her Kooyong seat, with 78.4% of the votes counted.
Amid this electoral tension, Ryan has indicated that it could take days or even weeks to determine final results. The Senate race presents further uncertainty, particularly for Jacqui Lambie, who is facing a tight contest to hold her seat. Additionally, in the Northern Territory, both Labor incumbent Malarndirri McCarthy and Country Liberal candidate Jacinta Nampijinpa Price are expected to retain their upper house positions.
The Australian Electoral Commission is set to commence a mandatory second count of all votes today, with officials having already processed over 14 million first preference ballot papers since the polls closed last Saturday.