Australia's Labor Party secures historic 2nd term in 20 years

ISTANBUL

Labor Party leader and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday claimed a majority in the parliament, with over 45% of the votes counted, according to local media.

This marks a second historic term since 2004, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

"And to serve these values, meet these challenges, these opportunities, and build that better and stronger future -- Australians have chosen a majority Labor government," Albanese said at the Labor Headquarters.

"From tomorrow -- back at work," Albanese said.

Albanese said that "repaying" people's trust will drive his government "each and every day of the next three years."

The premier thanked candidates but especially the candidate, Ali France, who ousted opposition Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton from his Dickson seat.

Polling opened at 8 am local time (2200GMT Friday), with over 18 million registered voters participating under Australia’s compulsory voting system.

Over 45% of the ballots have been counted, the Labor Party was leading with over 80 seats in the House of Representatives, over the 76-seat majority required to form a government.

In an unexpected development, Dutton has lost his Queensland seat of Dickson, according to projections by the ABC -- marking the first time in Australian history that an opposition leader has lost their seat in a general election.

Dutton reportedly conceded the seat to Labor’s Ali France at the Liberal Party headquarters, ABC reported.

"Now, we didn't do well enough during this campaign. That much is obvious tonight and I accept full responsibility," Dutton told party members.

The Liberal leader had previously faced widespread backlash for Islamophobic remarks, including calling Muslim political candidates “disaster,” and some of his party candidates were accused of trying to replicate US President Donald Trump’s political strategies in Australia.