PM responds to Donald Trump's electoral fraud claims
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has downplayed concerns over the US election, saying he “won’t run a commentary” on proceedings across the Pacific amid Donald Trump’s claims of electoral fraud.
Mr Morrison stressed to reporters on Thursday morning he “enjoys a very productive working relationship with the president” and it would be “damaging” to speculate on the current situation in the US.
LIVE BLOG: US Election live updates as they happen
He said he had not reached out to either Mr Trump or Democratic candidate Joe Biden as it was “not appropriate at this time”.
When questioned if he was worried for one of “the greatest democracies in the world”, he said he had ‘great confidence” in the US having a “great election”.
“We have relationships and we act with respect to our partner countries, particularly allies. United States is a great country.
“There are great people and they're making a decision about who should lead them, and we have that same opportunity here in Australia.
“I mean this is a democracy that has withstood the demands of centuries, and I have no doubt it will continue to prevail and continue to be a great partner for Australia.”
Trump’s claims rock US election
Mr Trump falsely declared he has won the US election and wants to take court action to stop the counting of votes.
In a speech starting after 2am on Wednesday in Washington DC, Trump accused the Democrats of postponing or tampering with the voter results, claiming a "fraud on the American nation" had been committed.
He vowed to ask the Supreme Court to weigh in on the inconclusive election.
Mr Trump continued his rhetoric into Wednesday (local time) claiming solid leads in many key states “magically” disappeared.
According to Associated Press, Mr Biden has 264 electoral votes as of 10.45am (AEDT), six shy of the 270 needed to win the election. Mr Trump has 214.
They are finding Biden votes all over the place — in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. So bad for our Country!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 4, 2020
Australia’s former US ambassador backs Trump’s claims
Joe Hockey, Australia’s former ambassador to the United States backed Mr Trump over his claims of electoral fraud.
He told 2GB on Thursday he believed the US election was “for sure” was victim to manipulate results.
“The question is whether it’s enough to change the election outcome and I doubt it is,” he said.
“In Washington DC, 93 per cent of the city voted for Joe Biden … I find it hard to believe.
“[Trump] hates losing, he doesn’t accept when he’s losing, and he usually reverts to litigation.
“There’s plenty of good reason to have litigation, I mean it is a complete dog’s breakfast right across the country.”
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