Australia opposition concedes defeat

Australia’s opposition Labor Party conceded defeat in the federal election, clearing the way for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to retain power.

Counting of votes in the marathon election continues, but Bill Shorten, the leader of the Labor Party, said the ruling coalition government headed by Turnbull would gain enough seats to hold on to power.

“Whilst counting has not concluded in a number of very close seats it is clear that Mr Turnbull and his coalition will form a government,” Shorten told a news conference in Melbourne.

“Whether or not it is a minority government or a majority government of one or two seats, it is clear they will form the government. So I have spoken to Mr Turnbull early this afternoon to congratulate him and Lucy and to wish them my very best.”

The coalition has won 74 seats in parliament. With vote counting continuing into an eighth day, it is expected to win at least two of the five seats that remain in doubt, giving Turnbull the support needed to form a majority government.

Although Turnbull is expected to form a majority government, he is likely to be forced to depend on several independent members to get legislation through the lower house, raising questions about the long-term functioning of his government.

Shorten vowed not to unduly disrupt the new parliament and that Labour would cooperate.