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. |