As 2021 draws to a close, all eyes are on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to call the 2022 federal election. The Prime Minister may call an election anytime up until 21 May 2022, when the current senate’s term expires. This federal election will be the first under Labor Leader Anthony Albanese after former leader Bill Shorten stood down in 2019 following the party’s defeat.
The upcoming federal election will be unique as it is the first to take place since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Australia, like every other country across the world, has been massively impacted by the pandemic across all areas. It is likely the Prime Minister’s management of these arising crises will be under the microscope in the election lead-up.
So, when is the election likely to be called?
The Prime Minister has been firm on saying he intends for the current government to run for its full term, meaning the election would be held sometime in 2022. The last federal election was held on 18 May 2019.
Experts claim it is extremely unlikely the election will be called anytime over the summer. December is a major holiday and retail period and elections have not taken place in January or February since Australia’s Federation in 1901.
March is one of the likelier months in which the election may be called. South Australia has set a state election for March 19, although it can be moved on request.
Easter 2022 takes place over mid-April, with many families affected by the long weekend and surrounding holidays for students.
The Prime Minister could call the election as late as May. However, the Constitution requires a minimum of five weeks are given for campaigning.
What are challenger Albanese’s chances?
In terms of Labor Leader Anthony Albanese’s chances of clinching the Prime Minister position, polls suggest a tight race.
As of November, Roy Morgan’s Two-Party Preferred poll reveals the ALP is in the lead 54 per cent to the LNP’s 46 per cent. However, the Voting Intention Poll conducted at the end of October shows the LNP leads by 1.5 points.
The deciding votes may cut it close to election day, with months to go before the Prime Minister is likely to call it.
