Right-Leaning Splinter Parties Could Hand Labor-Greens Government: Former Prime Minister

Right-Leaning Splinter Parties Could Hand Labor-Greens Government: Former Prime Minister
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott speaks to the media at Parliament House on May 7, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. Stefan Postles/Getty Images
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Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has warned frustrated conservative voters not to give up on the Coalition (Liberals or Nationals) for newer right-leaning parties, saying it would simply fracture the centre-right vote and hand government to the Labor and Greens parties.

Abbott also said Australia’s preferential voting system made it difficult for a dark horse candidate to win power and that it was essential to work within the parties to change their direction.