Australian PM seen likely to call election next week

SYDNEY, (AFP) Australian Prime Minister John Howard could call an election as early as Wednesday, after a regional summit marked by questions over his future, reports said Saturday.

The Australian newspaper said Howard may seek an October 27 poll date. Quoting unnamed senior figures within Howard's Liberal party, the newspaper said he might call the election Wednesday, a day after visiting Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper addresses parliament.

Veteran leader Howard has been hosting a summit in Sydney of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. There has been speculation for weeks that the election could be called after the summit ends this weekend.

Government figures were publicly evasive, with Foreign Minister Alexander Downer refusing to comment on discussions with backbenchers which he said were "of a private nature in relation to politics".

On speculation that the election could be called soon, he told reporters: "I don't think you can necessarily draw that conclusion at all."

Opposition leader Kevin Rudd said he thought Howard would make an announcement about the election next week. "Monday will come soon enough and then Mr Howard will have plenty of time to clarify an election date," he told reporters.

Recent opinion polls have suggested the opposition Labor party could be heading for a big win in the election, which the government has already said will be held before Christmas.