Independents' Day

In case you don't know, Australia have just had an election this past week and the result was the closest it's been since 1940 or something. Neither of our 2 major parties - Labor and Liberal - could pass the 76 seats mark which allows you to run government. I think at the moment they're both on 72 each as more postal votes are being counted. Out of the few remaining seats that didn't go to either of the major parties, 3 went to Independents (not part of any party). So it all comes down to these Independents choosing one of the two parties which would hopefully bring one of them up to 76 seats.

Personally, I think we should just go back to the polls in order to get a proper result. Leaving it up to 3 human beings who were voted in as independents and who are not a part of either party seems a little odd to me, maybe even undemocratic. I mean, it might not be that easy to set aside another Saturday to go to the polls, but to me it's the only legitimate way to decide who should govern our country for the next 3 years.

Plus, both party leaders are in "negotiations" with the independents which basically means that they're both trying to suck up to them. Julia Gillard, with a huge smile on her face, gave each of the independents a folder and said "We've even written out all the policies in relation to your areas for you." Tony Abbott, on the other hand, saying things like "I've always loved the bush" (as one or two of the independents are from rural areas). It's amazing that after the votes of 14 or so million people and after a long 5 week campaign, it all comes down to the choice of these 3 independents. Apparently it could take a few weeks to come up with a result! I think if we went back to the polls there could be a clear result before that...

So as the independents are in talks with the party leaders, it is beginning to become known as "Independents' Day," where the decision of 3 guys will have a huge impact on the next 3 years for Australia.