Editorial: Poll shows election is anyone’s to win

THE new polling published today shows Labor’s hold on power in the Territory is under serious threat on August 22, and is a major wake-up call for the Gunner Government with just 63 days until grand final day.

The new polling published today shows Labor’s hold on power in the Territory is under serious threat on August 22. Picture: AAP Image/ Richard Walker

THE new polling published today shows Labor’s hold on power in the Territory is under serious threat on August 22.

The results are a major wake-up call for the Gunner Government with just 63 days until grand final day.

The independent polling, conducted by Media Reach, has Labor winning a minimum of seven seats, well short of the 13 required to win government.

The best case scenario for Labor is 12 seats, according to the polling, which is one seat short of being able to govern in their own right.

The results of Media Reach's independent polling for the upcoming NT election.

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While some will question the validity of the polling, MediaReach has a track record of being on the money with its election polling in the NT, so you would be a fool to discount the results.

There is no doubt Territory Alliance, led by Terry Mills, is building momentum as election day looms.

The polling, which also has Alliance winning a minimum seven seats, is a significant slap in the face to the two major parties as Territorians look towards a new alternative.

The political momentum of Territory Alliance is not a figment of our imagination.

Our own online data shows the stories we publish about new Alliance candidates or their policies are extremely well read.

It certainly proves the electorate are interested in what they have to say, no matter if they agree with them or not. Whether that translates to votes on election day remains to be seen but this new polling suggests it might.

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Labor and the CLP are at a crossroads. The jockeying for preference deals between now and August 22 could no doubt decide the election.

Despite what polling may suggest, Labor remains in the box seat as the incumbent.

Recently, one Labor MLA privately commented that “the baseball bats aren’t out like they were for the CLP in 2016”.

That may be the case but what this polling shows is Territory Alliance have created
a major headache for Labor.

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The prospect of a Coalition government of Territory Alliance and CLP members is very real.

Let the games begin.