Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured a sweeping victory in the federal election, overcoming the so-called "incumbency curse" to win a second term in office.

While the final vote count remains underway, projections indicate a significant expansion of the Labor Party’s parliamentary majority, following a heavy nationwide defeat for the opposition Liberal-National Coalition.

“Today, the Australian people have voted for Australian values—for fairness, aspiration, and opportunity for all; for the strength to show courage in adversity and kindness to those in need,” Albanese said in his victory speech.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton, who lost his parliamentary seat after 24 years, conceded defeat and said he accepted "full responsibility" for the result, offering an apology to party colleagues.

Labor recorded positive swings across nearly all electorates—a rare outcome for a second-term government—and Albanese becomes the first Australian prime minister in over two decades to secure consecutive election wins.

The result marks a shift from the 2022 election, which was defined by a strong move toward minor parties and independents.

According to projections by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Labor is expected to win 86 seats in the 150-member House of Representatives, with the Coalition on 39. The Greens are forecast to claim one or two seats, while independents and smaller parties lead in about 10.

The outcome represents a striking political turnaround for Albanese, whose approval ratings had slumped earlier this year amid public frustration over economic pressures and policy debates.

Source: BBC

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