In Melbourne, Australia, voters commenced casting their ballots on Tuesday for upcoming general elections, as national campaign events were put on hold following the passing of Pope Francis. Polling stations opened early to accommodate those unable to vote on the official election day, May 3, and it’s expected that about half of the electorate will cast their votes ahead of time.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton chose to suspend their campaign activities in a show of respect for the Pope. Across Australia, government buildings flew flags at half-staff, recognizing the nation where, according to a 2021 census, 20% of the population identifies as Catholic.
Albanese, who has previously described himself as a “flawed Catholic,” paid his respects by attending a Mass in honor of the Pope at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne. Reflecting on his beliefs, he commented, “I try not to talk about my faith in public. At times like this, I think people draw on their identities, and certainly, my Catholicism is part of mine.”
Similarly, Dutton, raised by a Catholic father and a Protestant mother, honored the occasion at Sydney’s St. Mary’s Cathedral. He expressed that it wasn’t a time for political posturing but rather a day for contemplation. “I don’t think it’s a day for overt politicking at all. I think that the day is best spent reflecting,” he added.
Despite the pause in electioneering, Albanese and Dutton, the leader of the conservative Liberal Party, reconvened in Sydney on Tuesday evening for their third televised debate of the campaign. In the heated exchange, Dutton labeled Albanese as a “weak leader” who was “loose with the truth,” comments that prompted Albanese to respond, “You can go to personal abuse; that’s a sign of desperation.”
A fourth debate is anticipated on Sunday, as Albanese’s center-left Labor Party seeks a continuation into a second three-year term. The government currently holds a slender majority of 78 seats in the 151-member House of Representatives, where administrations are formed. Following this election, the lower house is projected to reduce to 150 seats due to redistribution.
As both major parties brace themselves, predictions signal a tightly contested election outcome.