The Western Australian Liberal Party has unveiled a slate of eight Indian-origin candidates for the upcoming state election on 8 March 2025. This marks a first for the party in WA, as it works to rebuild its standing after a bruising defeat in 2021.
The candidates contesting key electorates are:
- Ash Kumar – Bassendean
- Aswath Chavittupara – Morley
- Atul Garg – Bibra Lake
- Biju Anthony – Belmont
- Lucky Saini – West Swan
- Mahesh Arumugam – Thornlie
- Nitin Vashisht – Bateman
- Sudhir Chowdhary – Southern River
The move signals an effort to appeal to WA’s growing Indian-Australian population and tap into multicultural support. Liberal leader Libby Mettam has acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead, as the party attempts to regain relevance after being left with just two seats in the last state election.
Beyond the candidate line-up, the political climate remains unpredictable. Preference deals are playing a role in shaping key contests, including in Fremantle, where Labor’s Water Minister Simone McGurk has been helped by Liberal preferences in an effort to weaken Greens and independent candidates. The broader strategy suggests a shifting dynamic between major parties as they navigate an increasingly fragmented electorate.
The state election will also be closely watched for its impact on federal politics. With Prime Minister Anthony Albanese facing a national election by May, a strong showing for Labor in WA could reinforce confidence in his government, while any setbacks may fuel momentum for the opposition.
As the campaign unfolds, the Liberals’ decision to field a diverse slate of candidates will be tested. Their ability to engage with voters and energise support will determine whether this marks a turning point for the party or a gamble that fails to pay off.
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