BBC: The Labor Party has claimed victory in Australia's election, after early vote counts suggested Prime Minister John Howard had lost his parliamentary seat.
"On the numbers we are seeing tonight Labor is going to form a government," said Labor deputy leader Julia Gillard.
She was one of several Labor figures to claim victory, although leader Kevin Rudd has yet to make a statement.
Mr Howard was bidding for a fifth term in office, but tallies indicated his Sydney seat had been lost to Labor. Labor claims Australia poll win (more)
Mark Alexander
