As a majority of opinion polls predicted a defeat for Australian Prime Minister John Howard in Friday’s general election, the beleaguered leader told voters that the nation “will be better off” if he continues at the helm.

“I have put my case, I have put it with passion and I have put it as strongly as I can and I will keep putting it until 6 O’clock on Saturday night and then I will find out what the people have decided,” he told a local media channel.

“And whatever the decision then, of course, I accept it because my care is for Australia’s future and if the Australian people vote for change, well that’s their right” he said.

Howard’s remarks came even as a majority of opinion polls suggested a defeat for the ruling combine.
The Galaxy poll suggested the coalition may just win, while the Nielsen poll predicted it will be annihilated. A Morgan poll indicated Labour, led by Kevin Rudd, will just scrape over the line.

No animosity
The prime minister said he held no personal animosity with Rudd. “I happen to disagree with him,” he said, adding that the Labour leader was fighting for what he believed.

“My heart is in getting the coalition across the line and I have laid out a succession plan because everybody should do that. Just because you have sensibly laid out a succession plan well into the next term doesn’t suggest for a moment that you don’t believe in what you are doing”, Howard said.

He said that he was aware that there were some people thinking it was time for a change despite their respect for the government’s achievements.

“But if you think the country is fundamentally doing well, it is stable, it is well-managed, we have got low unemployment, a strong economy, we have got strong defences, our borders are properly protected. If you think that, don’t risk changing the government,” Howard added.

Over 13.5 million Austrlians cast their vote on Friday.