Australia election News

Vote count has begun for Australia general election after polling ended. Results are expected to be declared within hours. Australian Electoral Commission has warned that it could take longer to declare results in close contests.

Australia's Home Affairs Minister has accused China of attempting to interfere in its election set for next month. Australia said that a recent security deal with a nearby Pacific nation suggested nefarious motives. China had last week announced a pact with the Solomon Islands.

Scott Morrison`s Liberal-led conservative coalition has won or is leading in 76 seats, the number needed to form a majority government, according to the Australian Electoral Commission. 

Early counting in Australia`s national election on Saturday showed a swing to the opposition Labor Party, adding to fears a close vote will deny current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull the outright majority he needs to enact major economic reforms.

Australians began voting in national elections Saturday with conservative leader Malcolm Turnbull the slight favourite ahead of Labor`s Bill Shorten, although opinion polls point to it being a close race.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Tuesday said he intends to call national elections after the budget is delivered next month, with July 2 his expected date.