Labor are suffering a difficult night in the Australian elections, after polls suggesting a slight majority for the party have not materialised.

The centre-right Coalition government, led by Scott Morrison, is currently ahead on 75 seats, just one seat short of winning a majority. They are expected to win the election, but it is not yet clear whether they will form an overall majority.

Labour are on 66, short of the 72 they won in 2016, with other parties – including one Green – on a total of six.

Among the notable results is Warringah, where former Coalition Prime Minister Tony Abbott lost his seat to independent candidate Zali Steggall. Abbott had held the seat for 25 years.

The win for the Coalition marks the start of a third term for the grouping under its third Prime Minister.

Neither party leader has addressed supporters as yet, but questions have already been raised whether Labor leader Bill Shorten can remain in his position after the disappointing result the party has suffered.

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