Country Liberal Party Secures Victory in Northern Territory Election

The Country Liberal Party (CLP) has won the 2024 Northern Territory election, marking a significant political shift as the Australian Labor party concedes defeat after eight years in power.

ABC Chief Election Analyst Antony Green has predicted that the CLP will form the government in the Northern Territory, reporting early figures indicating a substantial two-party-preferred swing of over 10 percent towards the CLP.

According to Green, the results suggest a remarkable defeat for the current Labor government. It appears that CLP leader Lia Finocchiaro is poised to deliver a victory speech shortly.

In a surprising turn of events, Labor leader Eva Lawler is projected to lose her seat of Drysdale to CLP candidate Clinton Howe, highlighting a significant swing against the sitting Chief Minister.

“On these numbers, Eva Lawler will lose her own seat, which is a remarkable result,” commented Green. These trends are reflected across the territory and in Greater Darwin.

Labor was competing for its third consecutive term in government, a position it has enjoyed for 19 of the past 23 years in the Northern Territory.

Natasha Fyles, the former Chief Minister who resigned in December before Lawler’s appointment, expressed disappointment in the outcome, stating her hopes for Labor to secure eight seats at the election.

Currently, thirteen seats are necessary for a majority government in the Northern Territory. Labor entered the election with 14 seats, while the CLP held seven, and independents secured four.

In her concession speech, Lawler remarked that it had been “an absolute privilege” to serve as the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. She acknowledged the difficulties faced in the campaign and noted the unfortunate outcome for her seat and for other Labor candidates.

This evening has been a sad night for Labor, Lawler affirmed, while expressing gratitude to those who campaigned diligently for the party.

The Greens have the potential to achieve a historic victory this election, with Suki Dorras-Walker currently leading in the Labor-held electorate of Fannie Bay against CLP candidate Laurie Zio. If successful, this would mark the first time the Greens have won a seat in a Northern Territory election.

Early results indicate Labor has faced severe setbacks in northern suburbs of Darwin and electorates in Palmerston, while the CLP appears likely to retain significant seats in Alice Springs. Many bush seats remain too close to call.