Australian voters are casting ballots in a general election on Saturday with a focus on whether the ruling Labor Party can maintain its majority of seats in the House of Representatives.



The Labor Party headed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the conservative coalition led by the largest opposition Liberal Party are vying to take charge.



In Australia, a party which wins a majority in the 150-seat chamber is to form a government.



The latest opinion poll shows the support rate for Labor at 52.5 percent while the conservative coalition has 47.5 percent.



In the previous general election about three years ago, Labor won a majority for the first time in nine years.



Major issues in this election include measures to address inflation and higher housing costs, as well as how to deal with US President Donald Trump.



Australian public sentiment toward the Trump administration has grown increasingly negative over US tariffs and other actions.



Such resentment has pushed down the approval rate of the conservative coalition, some of whose policies echo those of the Trump administration, such as the prioritizing of government efficiency and layoffs of public workers.



A university student said she voted while taking into account issues such as the environment, housing prices and international relations.



She said, "The most important thing for Australia for the next four years is showing a united front and recognizing our similarities with the rest of the world rather than our differences."



Polling stations close at 6 p.m. local time and vote-counting begins immediately.