Territory Labor is expected to retain government in close fight as CLP bounces back

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner says he is “very confident” Labor will form government but he has stopped short of claiming victory.

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CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner says he is “very confident” Labor will form government but he has stopped short of claiming victory.

In what has been a closely fought election, Labor is expected to win government.

But there are so many close seats that a victory cannot be declared tonight.

Mr Gunner said there had been errors in the voting and recounts would need to be carried out in the coming days.

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The CLP has gained at least four seats, two seats have gone to independents and Territory Alliance are yet to take any.

Robyn Lambley is just ahead of Damien Ryan in Araluen with postal votes to come.

Labor is waiting particularly on the results for the seat of Port Darwin, which is an incredibly close race between the Labor’s Paul Kirby and the CLP’s Toby George.

A number of other seats are too close to call.

The close seats to call are Araluen, Blain, Braitling, Namatjira, Port Darwin, Daly, Arnhem, Fong Lim, Brennan and Barkly.

It has been a disappointing night for Territory Alliance, with the party’s leader Terry Mills losing his seat of Blain.

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During a speech at his party election event this evening, Mr Mills refused to concede defeat saying the numbers “are fluid.”

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