As the dust settles after Saturday’s Federal Election in Australia, we ask: what’s happening in Australia? Is this politics or another installment in the Lord of the Rings epic saga?
Citizens took to the polls over the weekend but three days later we’re still leaderless and without a clear outcome in sight. The votes continue to be counted but at this stage it looks unlikely that either major party will win enough seats to form a majority government, meaning Australia could again have a hung Parliament.
AEC Desperately Trying To Decide Leader Before Parties Change Leader Again: https://t.co/ASx5Wwj0vPpic.twitter.com/4LRZ6QC99z
— SBS Comedy (@SBSComedy) July 5, 2016
Antony Green Storms AEC Determined To Finish Counting By Himself https://t.co/I2t0nE7CP1pic.twitter.com/7IeonZB6qB
— SBS Comedy (@SBSComedy) July 5, 2016
In uncertain times such as these it’s good to know that Australians can still do what they’re best at - making fun of themselves.
There are some classic lines in this video that sum up the election campaign brilliantly.
“I can give you the answer of why politics matters in one word… Medicare," says hobbit Shorten.
“You would really have to believe in fairytales to believe that,” responds fellow hobbit Turnbull.
Keep your peepers peeled for an appearance by Jacqui Lambie galloping on a horse and Richard Di Natale as an elf who gets called a "talking tree".
Oh and this piece of gold: “If it walks, and it’s not human, someone around the world wants to eat it,” says Barnaby Joyce just before he gets attacked by a multi-headed creature of the deep.
So sit back and enjoy some comedic relief after one of the longest election campaigns in Australian history and a record breaking 7 hour live broadcast by the ABC on election night.
In all seriousness, this election is an important one. It is our hope that whoever is elected will lead a strong and compassionate party that seeks to represent the interests of global citizens.
But, for now The Battle for Middle Ground continues as intrepid hobbits Turnbull and Shorten fight it out for the top spot. Who knows, they may even need to forge alliances to secure the win.