Mar 28, Kathmandu- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that the country will hold a federal election on Friday, May 3. Albanese's Labor Party currently has a narrow majority. Opinion polls show a tight race between Australia's two main political parties - the Labor Party and the Liberal Party.

In such a situation, both major political parties are likely to have to rely on independent MPs or other smaller parties. In the 2022 election, smaller parties and independent candidates won record numbers of votes.

Issues related to the cost of living are likely to dominate the election campaign. At a press conference, Albanese reiterated his pledge to tackle the rising cost of living.

He has already announced plans to provide more free health care, reduce student debt and introduce small tax cuts. He also said that electing his rival Peter Dutton would be a step backwards for the country.