Labor Likely To Govern In ACT

A Labor government is the most likely outcome of the elections held in the Australian Capital Territory on Saturday. A substantial swing to the ALP has defeated a group of conservative independents and the ALP is likely to be able to govern with the support of three Democrats and Greens.

The new Chief Minister will be Jon Stanhope.

The Hare-Clark proportional voting system used in the ACT means that even though the ALP has outpolled the Liberal Party, they are both likely to finish with 7 members in the 17-seat Legislative Assembly.

There has been a swing of around 10% to the ALP in the elections. It's primary vote has increased to around 42%. There are 17 members in the unicameral Parliament. There are 2 electorates which return 5 members and one electorate which returns 7 members.

The incumbent Liberals led by Gary Humphries operate as a minority government supported by independent members.

If Labor takes office, it will mean that only South Australia and the Federal government, facing an election in 3 weeks, will be in the hands of non-Labor parties.

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