Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday ruled out calling a national election for April on Sunday or Monday, as had been expected, so his government can focus on an approaching cyclone in Queensland state.

Voters across the state of Western Australia headed to the polls on Saturday, setting the stage for a final political contest before Prime Minister Albanese calls a national election that is due by mid May.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor party has secured a morale-boosting victory in an election in the nation’s largest state, enhancing his chances of a come-from-behind win in a federal vote that must be held by May 17.

Voters in Western Australia cast their ballots on Saturday in a crucial state election, setting the tone for the upcoming national vote expected by mid-May. The contest is seen as a test for Prime Minister Anthony