Voting is mandatory in Australia, and polling stations will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. Around 8.18 million eligible voters have already cast their ballots through early voting.

While both major parties have prioritized addressing cost-of-living challenges, international developments have emerged as a significant issue during the campaign. Analysts noted that global instability and recent shifts in foreign trade policy have contributed to voter concerns.

On the final day of campaigning, Albanese emphasized his government’s record of stable leadership, saying the election presents a choice between continuity and what he described as the alternative’s unpredictability. He traveled extensively across three states to make his case to voters.

Dutton, focusing on the economic pressures faced by households and small businesses, asked voters to reflect on whether their circumstances have improved in recent years. Known for his firm stance on border security, Dutton has also proposed reducing the size of the public service.

Though he previously polled strongly, Dutton’s support declined following international tariff announcements that impacted Australia. His earlier proposal to restrict remote work for public servants also received criticism.

The latest Newspoll published Friday showed Labor leading 52.5% to 47.5% against the Liberal-National coalition under the two-party preferred voting system.

Political analysts believe that while global developments played a role, domestic campaign strategies and policy missteps were more influential in shaping voter sentiment. Albanese’s campaign has generally been viewed as disciplined, while Dutton faced challenges in maintaining consistent support.

There is a possibility that neither major party will secure an outright majority. Under Australia’s preferential voting system, the outcome may hinge on how preferences from minor parties and independents are distributed.

Support for independents and smaller parties has been on the rise, with pollster Roy Morgan noting their vote share has more than doubled since 2007. In the 2022 election, the primary vote was split almost evenly among Labor (32.6%), the Liberal-Nationals (35.7%), and other candidates (31.7%). The trend appears likely to continue in this election

In a televised leaders’ debate, Albanese confirmed the government will proceed with plans to restrict access to platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for users under the age of 16, starting in December. He warned that pressure from global tech firms to soften the legislation is expected in the lead-up to implementation, but said the government would not yield.

“This policy has bipartisan backing and represents a global first,” Albanese said. “We are prepared for significant pushback, but we will not back down.”

Dutton, leader of the Liberal and National coalition, aligned himself with the government’s position, stating his party is “on a unity ticket” with Labor. He accused international tech companies of prioritizing profits over child safety, describing their treatment of young users as exploitative.

“We’ve worked hard to hold these companies accountable and ensure the digital environment is safer for our children,” Dutton said. “This is about enforcing respect and legal standards in a space that’s become far too unregulated.”

Both leaders also reiterated their support for legislation requiring digital platforms to compensate Australian media outlets for news content shared on their services.

The debate, held on the Nine Network, was the third of the campaign. A panel of commentators declared Dutton the winner of the night, though recent polling suggests Albanese remains narrowly ahead in what continues to be a close race dominated by cost-of-