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Australian PM 'to call election' Australian PM 'to call election'
(10 minutes later)
Australian Prime Minister John Howard has visited the governor-general amid mounting speculation he is about to call a parliamentary election. Australian Prime Minister John Howard has visited the governor-general ahead of announcing the date for a parliamentary election.
Mr Howard has visited Michael Jeffery, the representative of head of state Queen Elizabeth, in Canberra as a formality before an announcement. Mr Howard is believed to have asked Michael Jeffery, the representative of head of state Queen Elizabeth, in Canberra to dissolve parliament.
Correspondents expect him to call a poll for 24 November or 1 December as he goes for a fifth term in office.Correspondents expect him to call a poll for 24 November or 1 December as he goes for a fifth term in office.
Analysts predict a heavy defeat for the veteran PM after 11 years in office.Analysts predict a heavy defeat for the veteran PM after 11 years in office.
Mr Howard, 68, is trailing his Labor opponent, Kevin Rudd, in opinion polls. Mr Howard, 68, is badly trailing his Labor opponent, Kevin Rudd, in opinion polls.
Chinese-speaking former diplomat Mr Rudd, 50, has promised sweeping reforms to health, education and controversial labour laws introduced by the PM. Mr Rudd, 50, has promised to sign the Kyoto climate pact and introduce sweeping reforms to health, education and controversial labour laws introduced by the PM.
Iraq question
Younger voters are said to be angry with Mr Howard for introducing legislation that makes it easier to hire and fire workers.Younger voters are said to be angry with Mr Howard for introducing legislation that makes it easier to hire and fire workers.
Mr Howard will point to the enduring strength of the economy. But Mr Howard will point to the enduring strength of the economy.
The Australian stock market is hitting record highs, while unemployment is at a 33-year low.
The elections will also decide whether Australia starts bringing home its troops from Iraq, correspondents say.The elections will also decide whether Australia starts bringing home its troops from Iraq, correspondents say.
The BBC's Nick Bryant in Sydney says Mr Howard's unflinching support for US President George W Bush has proven unpopular with many Australian voters.