Initial results in the Australian general election suggest the conservative coalition government is unexpectedly on course to remain in office.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison's government is set to win more seats than the Labor opposition, analysts say.
The results have surprised many observers, as opinion polls had consistently shown Labor as the likely winner.
However, votes are still being counted - and it remains to be seen whether the Liberal Party led coalition will win enough seats for a majority government.
If they don't secure the necessary 76 seats, Mr Morrison may have to instead look at forming a minority government with support from smaller parties.
However, ABC reports that Labor leader Bill Shorten has called Mr Morrison to concede.
Mr Shorten told supporters: "Without wanting to hold out any false hope, while there are still millions of votes to count and important seats yet to be finalised, it is obvious that Labor will not be able to form the next government."
Mr Shorten also indicated he will not contest his party's next leadership ballot.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, center, leaves a polling station after casting his ballot in a federal election in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, May 18, 2019. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Meanwhile, A high-profile result in Sydney has seen the former prime minister Tony Abbott lose his seat.
The veteran politician and former Liberal Party leader had held his seat since 1994.
In a concession speech quoted by The Guardian, Mr Abbott said: "There is good news and bad news. There is every chance that the Liberal-National Coalition has won the election.
"It is a great result for Scott Morrison and the rest of the wider Liberal team."
On his own loss, he added: "I can’t say it doesn’t hurt to lose. But I would rather be a loser than a quitter."
Elsewhere, the controversial senator Fraser Anning - who drew local and international condemnation for his remarks in the wake of the Christchurch shooting - also appears to have lost his seat.
