Indigenous candidate wins in NT elections as Libs claim overall victory

By AMANDA PARKINSON

Independent Indigenous candidate Yingiya Mark Guyula was poised to win the seat of Mulka in the NT elections on Saturday as the Country Liberal Party claimed victory with a massive swing against the ALP.

Mr Guyala said it didn’t matter whether people voted ALP or CLP “as long as they listen to the voice from the people”.

“I am the voice for the people out here on the ground,” he told ABC TV.

Key issues to emerge during the election campaign include the environment, crime and cost of living.

With nearly 20 per cent of the vote counted, the CLP had notched a 13.2 per cent swing on a two-party preferred basis.

Country Liberal Party leader Lia Finocchiaro will be the NT’s chief minister. (A)manda Parkinson/AAP)

It came on the back of a strong primary vote of 49.5 per cent compared to the ALP’s 25.9 per cent.

The CLP was on track to win 14 seats of the 25-seat parliament, with Labor set to take five seats as the others remain undecided.

The result was so bad for the ALP, Chief Minister Eva Lawler was poised to lose in her own seat of Drysdale, with a swing of 22.6 per cent on a two-party preferred basis.

“Unfortunately, we have not got over the line tonight. It looks like I have lost my seat and I know some of our great candidates and great members have also lost their seats,” Ms Lawler said in conceding defeat on Saturday.

“So, an absolutely sad night for Labor, but to all of you who are here, the people who have campaigned so hard for us, so hard for so long, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”