Tasmania has delivered a hung parliament, with Australia’s last governing Liberals getting more seats than Labor but not enough to form government.
Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who called an early election to restore stability after eight months of minority government, declared Saturday night’s count a “victory”.
The Liberals, who have been in power since 2014, have 12 seats – six short of the required 18 for majority.
Projections indicated they would hold 13 to 15 seats, with Labor getting about 12 in total.
Jeremy Rockcliff, Australia’s only state Liberal premier, will not be able to govern in his own right.
The Greens, who have increased their vote, could hold up to six seats while the Jacqui Lambie Network and several independents are also in the mix for spots on the cross bench.
Counting will continue on Sunday but a final result may not be known until after Easter due to public holidays and a larger parliament.
Despite a hung parliament and looming discussions with others to form government, Mr Rockliff said it looked like a fourth consecutive victory for the Liberals.
“Let’s be clear … the Liberal team has clearly gained the most votes in this election and the most seats,” he said.
Labor leader Rebecca White has not conceded, keeping the door ajar for a Labor minority government if the numbers and sentiment allow.