Australian PM concedes defeat in federal election

A screen displays Scott Morrison's reaction at the Labor Party headquarters in Sydney, Australia, May 21, 2022. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has conceded defeat in the country's 2022 federal election held on Saturday. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has conceded defeat in the country's 2022 federal election held on Saturday.

He said in a speech on Saturday night that he has spoken to the Opposition leader Anthony Albanese and congratulated him on his election victory.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Saturday night projected Labor will form government for the first time since 2013, with Albanese to become the country's 31st prime minister.

The result marks an end to the Coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as prime minister.

Describing the night as "difficult", Morrison said that he'll step down as leader of the Liberal Party.

"I will be handing over the leadership at the next party room meeting to ensure the party can be taken forward under new leadership, which is the appropriate thing to do," he said. 

Anthony Albanese reacts after winning Australia's 2022 federal election in Sydney, Australia, May 21, 2022. Anthony Albanese has claimed victory for his Labor Party after incumbent Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded defeat in Australia's 2022 federal election held on Satuday. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)