Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has declared victory for his conservative coalition in last week's closely fought general election.
His comments came after opposition Labor Leader Bill Shorten conceded defeat and congratulated him.Votes are still being counted, but the Liberal-National coalition is expected to win enough seats to govern.
However, a strong swing against it has left doubts about its agenda and Mr Turnbull's leadership.
The coalition still remains short of the 76 seats it needs to claim a majority in the lower house, the House of Representatives.
But it should secure at least 74, and also has the support of three independent and minor party politicians - Cathy McGowan, Andrew Wilkie and Bob Katter - guaranteeing budget supply and confidence.
Labor is currently on 66 seats, with five still in doubt.
At a news conference, Mr Turnbull said: "We have had a successful election. We have secured the largest number of seats in parliament."
He admitted that the election was "a tough business", but welcomed Mr Shorten's calls for "common ground" in parliament.
Speaking earlier, Mr Shorten admitted defeat.
"It is clear that Mr Turnbull and his coalition will form a government," he said.
"So I have spoken to Mr Turnbull earlier this afternoon to congratulate him and [his wife] Lucy and to wish them my very best."