Australians voted on Saturday (July 2) to elect a new government and every single ballot being counted could swing the result one way or another.<br /><br /> Exit polls showed the conservative-led coalition neck and neck with the opposition Labor party.<br /><br /> More than 10 million people were expected to vote today in this hotly contested election.<br /><br /> Australia has had five prime ministers since 2010.<br /><br /> Australian east coast #election2016 polls close, #ausvotes count begins, exit polls show knife-edge result. Live! https://t.co/1uCz4740ud— Guardian Australia (@GuardianAus) July 2, 2016<br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> Saturday’s early election was prompted after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who leads the Liberal Party, dissolved parliament in May in a bid to cement his majority in parliament.<br /><br /> This week, Turnbull waved the Brexit card, saying that given the global uncertainty caused by Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, Australia needed stability.<br /><br /> What has Brexit got to do with the Australian election? https://t.co/7D25q5TglC— BBC Business (@BBCBusiness) June 30, 2016<br /> <br /><br /> But early counting showed a swing to the opposition Labor Party, adding to fears a close vote will deny him the outright majority he needs to enact major economic reforms.<br /><br /> Turnbull’s gamble could backfire as his coalition faces a strong challenge – not only from Labor Party chief Bill Shorten, but also from independents who could hold the balance of power.<br /><br /> With Reuters<br />
