World leaders have congratulated Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on his election win, which looks likely to be heading for a parliamentary majority.
Photo: AFP
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she phoned Mr Morrison to congratulate him.
"I look forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship between our two countries in the coming years.
"Prime Minister Morrison has an affinity to New Zealand having lived and worked here. He understands us, which is very helpful to the trans-Tasman relationship.
"I have also contacted Bill Shorten today. Bill has done a great job in unifying the Labor Party and fought a strong campaign. I wished him and Chloe the best of luck for the future."
US President Donald Trump saw the Australian Election result as a positive, tweeting:
Congratulations to Scott on a GREAT WIN! https://t.co/IKxDrQmHfV
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 18, 2019
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu akso welcomed the result.
"I know that under your leadership the great friendship between Australia and Israel will grow even stronger," Mr Netanyahu said to Mr Morrison on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Final results are being counted in Australia where Mr Morrison hopes his victory in Saturday's election will give him a majority government.
His conservative coalition has defied the polls and now needs to win three more seats to seal a surprise majority.
"I have always believed in miracles," Mr Morrison told supporters in his victory speech on Saturday night.
Exit polls had predicted a Labor Party win for the first time in six years.
But Mr Shorten resigned in the wake of his party's surprise defeat.
"It is obvious that Labor will not be able to form the next government," he told party members.
He will not seek re-election as his party's leader.
The final result may not be known for some hours, but with more than 75 percent of votes counted the Liberal-National Coalition has won, or is ahead in, 73 seats in its quest for a 76-seat majority, with Labor trailing on 65 seats.
If the Coalition fails to win an outright majority it will need the help of independent MPs to govern.
- RNZ / BBC
