South Australia Election: Labor Wins Landslide Second Term as Malinauskas Strengthens Mandate

 Australia | March 22, 2026 — The Australian Labor Party has secured a decisive re-election victory in South Australia, with Premier Peter Malinauskas returning to power for a second term after a dominant state-wide performance.

Provisional results show Labor leading in 35 out of 47 seats in the House of Assembly—well above the 24 required for a majority—cementing one of the party’s strongest results in recent state history. The outcome delivers a stable government and a clear electoral mandate for Malinauskas.

The opposition Liberal Party of Australia suffered a heavy defeat, securing just 8 seats, while independent candidates are ahead in 4 regional districts. The result highlights a widening gap between Labor and its main rival in key urban and suburban electorates.

In terms of overall vote share, Labor received 38.8 percent of first-preference votes, ahead of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation with 21.9 percent, and the Liberals with 18.8 percent. The Australian Greens secured 10.8 percent, reflecting a fragmented opposition vote.

Despite strong vote totals, smaller parties—including One Nation and the Greens—struggled to convert support into seats under Australia’s preferential voting system, which redistributes preferences until a candidate achieves a majority in each district.

More than 739,000 votes have been counted so far, representing over 95 percent of polling places, with officials noting that results remain provisional as counting continues.

Labor’s success was driven by strong performances in metropolitan Adelaide and surrounding suburbs, where the party achieved large two-candidate preferred margins. Malinauskas himself retained his seat of Croydon with an overwhelming majority, underscoring his personal popularity.

The election campaign was shaped by rising cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability, and the delivery of public services such as health and education. Analysts say voters rewarded the incumbent government’s focus on these issues, while the opposition faces a period of rebuilding following the loss.

The result reinforces South Australia’s position as a key Labor stronghold and adds to the party’s broader momentum nationally, as governments across Australia continue to respond to economic challenges and shifting voter expectations.