Australians cast ballots in 'cliff-hanger' election

(News Today) - Voters in Australia began casting ballots Saturday to decide who will lead the country in what is likely to be the closest election in decades.

Labor Party incumbent Prime Minister Julia Gillard and opposition challenger Tony Abbott are neck-and-neck.

Gillard, Australia's first female prime minister, has described the race as "tough and tight," calling it a "cliff-hanger."

Economic issues have figured prominently in the campaign.

Both candidates are trying to convince a skeptical public that they can get the country back in the black within three years.

Australia's economy has been relatively healthy, with the country avoiding the painful recession from which so many other developed countries have been fighting to free themselves.

Source : CNN

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