Labor landslide in the NT wipes out Opposition Leader
Like most Internet pundits (for example, Mumble, the Poll Bludger and Crikey) I predicted between 16 and 18 seats for Labor in today’s NT election. Update: According to the Poll Bludger, other media pundits were generally surprised at the size of the win.
The ABC’s electoral computer is reporting that Labor has definitely won 16 seats and looks like winning 18. The Country Liberal Party is a shoe in for six seats (though it may only get five). And independents look like winning one or possibly two. Counts are also available from the Northern Territory Electoral Commission.
Labor has retained its 13 seats, and won Macdonnell, Daly, and (at the expense of the Opposition Leader, Denis Burke) Brennan.
Labor is ahead in the counting in Drysdale, and Port Darwin.
Wood looks safe as the independent for Nelson. However, while ahead, Loraine Braham may struggle to remain the independent for Braitling.
The only seat with a swing to the CLP was Araluen, on the west side of Alice Springs.
Overall, Labor got a swing of 12 per cent in its favour on the primary vote. The swing against the CLP was 10 per cent.
Update: A good reflective piece by Northern Territorian Ken Parish at Troppo Armadillo.
Update #2: It is Sunday morning and the ABC reported that 19 seats for Labor is a possibility.