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Lawmaker claims victory in close Australian election
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In this May 29, 2016, file photo, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, left, speaks as opposition leader Bill Shorten listens at a leaders' debate at the National Press Club in Canberra. Opinion polls suggest the conservative coalition government remains neck-and-neck with the center-left Labor Party opposition since the July 2, 2016 election was officially called early in May, despite efforts by both sides to break out with a range of policy announcements. (Associated Press/Tracey Nearmy)
A
senior government minister has claimed victory in Australia's knife-edge election, although the official result could be days away and the opposition has not conceded defeat.
Government leader in the House of Representatives Christopher Pyne told Nine Network television on Friday the conservative Liberal Party-led coalition would form a majority government following the weekend election or a minority government with the support of independents.
He said the government had won 74 seats in the House of Representatives and was likely to win another three as vote counting continued. The government needs at least 76 seats to form a majority in the 150-seat chamber.
The Australian Electoral Commission put the coalition ahead in 74 seats, Labor in 71, and the minor parties and independents in five. (ags)
