Australian polls
Australia, heading for a Presidential poll next month, has been a trusted ally of US-led terror wars in Middle East that saw the fall of Afghanistan and Iraq. John Howard, the Australian prime minister and Liberal Party leader, has called a federal election for November 24. Howard, 68, has been in power for 11 years, but is lagging behind Kevin Rudd, his younger Labour opponent, in opinion polls. Among the issues the election will determine are the future of Australia's military contribution in Iraq and its stance on climate change. Labour has promised to withdraw troops from Iraq and sign the Kyoto climate pact, but, generally speaking, the election will also be fought and won on domestic issues. Rudd, 50, has promised sweeping reforms to health and education as well as an overhaul of controversial labour laws introduced by Howard.
Howard, the country's second-longest serving leader, who is seeking a fifth term, has stressed his economic stewardship and tough security credentials to win back voters. Howard has promised a national vote on recognition for Aborigines in the country's constitution if he wins, a move dismissed by opponents as a last ditch effort to present a "vision" to lure back jaded former conservative supporters.
The PM is even behind in opinion polls in his own Sydney constituency of Bennelong, which he has represented since 1974. Mr. Howard's unflinching support for US President George W Bush has proven unpopular with many Australian voters. The PM now hopes to persuade the electorate that voting for Labor would be a gamble with prosperity. The Australian stock market is hitting record highs, while unemployment last week hit 33-year lows amid the ongoing global resources boom deals in the continent.
However, it is definitely not going to be a cake-walk for Howard this time. A change of government seems to be on Australian cards now.
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