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Malcolm Turnbull makes dig at Donald Trump with ‘count the votes’ tweet

Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has made a pointed dig at US leader Donald Trump, coming out swinging on social media.

Trump declares election win and calls for "all voting to stop"

Malcolm Turnbull has come out swinging over US President Donald Trump’s threat to stop the ballots urging America to “count every vote”.

The former Prime Minister and Labor frontbenchers formed a unity ticket last night demanding that the United States guarantee voters’ voices are heard.

Mr Turnbull famously clashed with President Trump during a fiery phone call early in his presidency.

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On Wednesday night, he also shared a story that described Mr Trump’s extraordinary threat to stop counting the votes as a dark and disturbing moment in American history.

“Count every vote,” Mr Turnbull said.

US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Washington. Picture: Nathan Edwards
US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Washington. Picture: Nathan Edwards

Liberal MP Dave Sharma said President Trump must respect the views of voters.

“Above all else, being a democratic leader means respecting the verdict of the voters, the sanctity of the process, and facilitating a peaceful transfer of power when needed,” he said.

“Patience and humility are both necessary virtues.”

While Labor leader Anthony Albanese did not directly comment on the US election, he retweeted comments by Labor’s foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong.

“Americans have voted in historic numbers in this election,” she said.

“They deserve to have their voices heard.

“The democratic process must be respected, even when it takes time.

“It’s in Australia’s interest that America remains a credible, stable democracy.”

Labor frontbencher Chris Bowen went further, comparing the US to a developing democracy.

“If this were a developing democracy, Australia would probably issue a statement about now demanding that rule of law be respected, that every vote be counted, that we will be closely monitoring,” he said.

Bizarrely, Foreign Minister Marise Payne remained mute on the US election instead tweeting about Tonga.

“Warmest congratulations to the Kingdom of #Tonga on the 145th anniversary of its constitution,” she said.

“Ofa atu, Tonga!

Read related topics:Donald TrumpJoe Biden

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/world/north-america/us-politics/malcolm-turnbull-makes-dig-at-donald-trump-with-count-the-votes-tweet/news-story/79edd514517b0ce72c675c0b9695c6a7