WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says he intends to run for an Australian senate seat in the next election, and that plans for an Australian WikiLeaks party are significantly advanced.
The Australian has been holed up in Ecuador's London embassy since June in a bid to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faces questioning over sexual assault allegations, the ABC reports.
It is likely he would run in absentia, although he says because of political developments in Sweden the case against him may be dropped within six months.
He has told Fairfax Media he intends to push ahead with previously-announced plans to run for the Australian Senate.
Mr Assange said he had not yet registered to vote, but told Fairfax Media in Australia he believes he will be able to register in either New South Wales or Victoria as an overseas voter.
He said "a number of very worthy people admired by the Australian public" have expressed interest in standing for a yet-to-be registered Australian WikiLeaks party.
A draft party constitution has been reportedly been prepared and is being subjected to legal review.
Party registration with the Australian Electoral Commission would require confirmation of at least 500 members listed on the electoral roll.
