Australia, a key U.S. ally, will hold an election in May after Prime Minister Scott Morrison officially set the date for the vote, which could hinge on economic issues and national security
SYDNEY—Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an election in May, marking the official start of a race that has increasingly become focused on concerns over inflation that are challenging governments world-wide.
The May 21 election will pit Mr. Morrison and his center-right governing coalition, which includes Mr. Morrison’s Liberal Party and the right-leaning Nationals, against the center-left Labor Party, led by Anthony Albanese. Mr. Albanese started his campaign on Sunday by discussing how his plans for cheaper child care and better-paying jobs will ease cost-of-living pressures, while Mr. Morrison pointed to his government’s efforts to save jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic and reduce taxes.