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Australian opposition leader Tony Abbott - Source: Reuters -
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The coalition has moved ahead of Labor on a two-party preferred basis by almost 2000 votes, casting doubt over Prime Minister Julia Gillard's ability to form a government.
With 80% of votes counted, the coalition has taken a narrow lead with 50.01% compared to 49.99% for Labor, the Australian Electoral Commission website shows.
The coalition now leads Labor by just under 2000 votes.
The development threatens Gillard's claim the day after the election last week that she had the support of the Australian people to form a government.
"It now appears clear that Labor has won the two-party vote. That means the majority of Australians who voted yesterday prefer a Labor government," Gillard said last Sunday.
"I think this is a critical fact to weigh in the coming days."
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