News analysis

Election blow for Australia's ruling coalition exposes deep internal rifts

Election posters outside a polling station during the Wentworth by-election in Bondi Beach, Sydney, last Saturday. The Liberals remain deeply split on crucial issues such as climate change and immigration levels.
Election posters outside a polling station during the Wentworth by-election in Bondi Beach, Sydney, last Saturday. The Liberals remain deeply split on crucial issues such as climate change and immigration levels. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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In the aftermath of an impending election loss that will leave his Liberal-National coalition without a majority, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison made no attempt to downplay the implications for his political future.

"The result demonstrates an enormous amount of anger which has been levelled at the Liberal Party," he said yesterday.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 22, 2018, with the headline Election blow for Australia's ruling coalition exposes deep internal rifts. Subscribe