The most unpredictable SA election
The political fight in South Australia has become the most tensed than it had ever been, so because for various reason but the presence of vocal lawyer-turned politician Nick Xenophon. As I write this on the eve of election day, South Australian remain very vague about their future government.
The Labour party is hoping for a historic fifth term in office but Liberals and SA Best are giving a tough time that he is not one in all.
Energy has become the dominating issue for the election, thanks for several black out the state faced in the last few years. Labour has come up with several energy project in last one year as the desperate effort to address the negativity among voters against the government and the party.
Despite Weatherill’s effort, the South Australian have not got any relief on skyrocketing energy prices. The home solar campaign might give some respite for electricity bills but gas bills will continue rising.
On top of that Xenephon’s announcement to remove the poker machines, later re-announced to be only reduced, is a hot topic. Both established parties attacked him saying that will not be healthy pills for the economy and job.
The former senator travelled challenge the Labour and Liberal establishment in South Australia with his un-organised team called SA Best. But as he moved closer to public scrutiny, it appears he have come up with team with no messages or substance.
The federal party NXT is already leaderless and possible the South Australia team will face the same fate, unless some unspoken voters suddenly change their mind not to support the already established parties here. His presence has exerted enormous pressure on the 16-year old Labour government and the liberals.
Xenophon was, at the beginning of the election campaign, was touted to be the favourite candidate for the state premier. In few polls, he was competing seriously with Weatherill and Stephen Marshall at the start of the campaign. He was painted a smart candidate, capable and transparent. He was outspoken and has strongly presented himself on several important national issues at the federal parliament against the big parties.
However, as he runs on trails of the last day campaign, he has failed to unveil any strong and substantial policy commitments. He has finally presented himself as critic and not as a deliverer. It appears he will have no plans and no vision that can prove to make any substantive changes in the lives of South Australians.
Latest political buzz is he himself may not be able to get elected which means his strategies to be kingmaker here will tarnish. In that case, he will be out of politics at least for next four years unless he makes a comeback for a federal politics next year. His lost is a disaster and two big parties will tear apart anyone elected under his banner down. Lets hope this disaster is avoided.
The political waves are that South Australia is likely to get its hung parliament after 15 years. The public sentiment is not positive for Weatherill but Liberals and SA Best are not best options either. It will be the most unpredictable election of the South Australian history.