2019 Australia election: Morrison’s coalition close to shock majority

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) – Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is close to securing a majority government as the election’s final results are being counted.

His conservative coalition has defied polls and is leading with 77 seats, the Australian Electoral Commission says. Only 76 are needed for a majority.

“I’ve always believed in miracles,” Mr Morrison told supporters in his victory speech on Saturday night.

Exit polls had predicted a Labor Party win for the first time in six years.

Labor leader Bill Shorten resigned in the wake of his party’s surprise defeat, telling members: “It is obvious that Labor will not be able to form the next government.”

He will not seek re-election as party leader. (BBC)