Australian PM brands election victory as 'miracle'
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has claimed victory in Australia's general election.
Morrison's Liberal National Party (LNP) coalition won a third term in government on Saturday night, defeating the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and its leader Bill Shorten.
Addressing supporters in Sydney, Morrison, who was chosen to succeed Malcolm Turnbull as leader of the LNP and PM in August 2018, said: "I have always believed in miracles."
"And tonight we've been delivered another one."
"Tonight is about every single Australian who depends on their Government to put them first.
"And so, friends, that is exactly what we are going to do. Our government will come together after this fight and we will get back to work."
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison delivers his victory speech at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth in Sydney, Australia, May 18, 2019. /VCG Photo
Every opinion poll projected that Labor would win the election after six years in opposition on the back of strong swings in support towards the party in Queensland and Victoria.
The LNP has won at least 74 out of 151 seats in the lower house of the Australian parliament, the House of Representatives, and could still win a clear majority of 76.
However, the conservative LNP was able to mitigate losses in Victoria, considered the nation's most progressive state, and win Queensland 52-48 on a two-party preferred basis.
If it does not win 76 seats in its own right, the LNP will rely on the support of independent candidates to form a minority government as Labor did in 2010.
Some 16.5 million Australians were registered to vote in the election.
Opposition concedes defeat
The opposition Australian Labor Party leader Bill Shorten congratulated Morrison on Saturday as general election results show him to be in a position to win and remain in office.
Shorten also stepped down as leader of the Labor Party.
"And without wanting to hold out any false hope, while there are still millions of votes to count and important seats yet to be finalized, it is obvious that Labor will not be able to form the next government," he told disappointed Labor supporters in Melbourne.
Labor supporters are seen at the Hyatt Place Melbourne ahead of the Australian Federal Election announcement in Melbourne, Australia, May 18, 2019. /VCG Photo
"This has been a tough campaign. Toxic at times. But now that the contest is over, all of us have a responsibility to respect the result, respect the wishes of the Australian people and to bring our nation together."
(With input from agencies)