Australia will have its federal election on May 3, which is pivotal to the country’s politics. Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement brought forward the start of vigorous political campaigning in every corner of the country. Citizens will vote to choose representatives in the House of Representatives and Senate, which will dictate the future course of Australia’s federal government.
Major Candidates in the Election
The antagonistic political parties are the Liberal-National Coalition which is led by Prime Minister Morrison, and the Labor Party, which is in charge of the Opposition Anthony Albanese. The current ruling Morrison Coalition government has come under scrutiny on several fronts, including climate change, COVID-19 pandemic management, and economic recovery post-pandemic.
Albanese and the Labor Party centered their efforts on social justice, healthcare, and climate change. Labor intends to provide a stark contrast to the Morrison government by promising more decisive action on wage stagnation and the high cost of living.
Concerns of Voters and General Climate of Elections
An Australians’ presidential election takes place within a context of pressing issues, including the aftermath of the pandemic, economic downturns, and affordable housing. The completion of national economic recovery has been lagging, thus raising many voters’ concerns about their jobs, salaries, and living costs. As before, climate change remains the most important problem needing resolution, with both major parties trying to outbid each other with promises of being able to do something about the fast deterioration of Australia’s environment.
Moreover, social policies aiming at women’s and Indigenous rights advancement have suddenly become very visible. The fight for gender policies and recognizing Indigenous Australians has been central to many political parties.
Voting Style and Electoral Framework
Australia employs a compulsory voting system that requires eligible Australians to vote or risk receiving monetary penalties. Such a system guarantees high voter participation, which seems crucial for this coming election. Australians will participate in the elections by using preferential voting for the House of Representatives and a proportional representation system for the Senate.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has made provisions for early voting, postal ballots, and provided COVID-19 mitigation measures that take place at polling booths. Widespread COVID-19 precautions and revised voting methods, that most Australian citizens are used to, will be monitored very carefully.
Tensions and Key Issues During the Campaign
The Liberal Party, and Labor Party are constantly at odds, and such tensions are predicted to peak as campaigning continues. The opposing party Labor has made very strong allegations over the government’s economic policy, claiming that the Liberals are neglecting the middle working class. On the other hand, The Liberal-National Coalition flaunts their achievements during the pandemic in terms of security and economic progress, claiming that their leadership is evident in Australia’s response during the pandemic.
So far, both parties have faced the pressure from environmentalists and an emerging populace looking for tougher climate change policies, and climate change has become a major point of concern. On the other hand, Morrison’s government has also begun receiving pressure to improve the country’s gender diversity in leadership and other positions.
International Relations Consideration
The results of the election may significantly shift Australia’s international relations, especially regarding its attitude toward climate policy, trade relations, and the security dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. Australia has also been active in other international debates such as the geopolitics of China and the trade wars over the last few years.
Future Expectations
With less than one month until the election, everyone is going to watch how the two predominant political parties strategize over the major issues and how Australians will react when the voting day comes. The elections scheduled for the 3rd of May are set to not only influence Australian politics but also decide Australia’s post-pandemic economic development, environmental strategies, international relations, and more during the coming years.