Independent, far-right candidates rise to the top

Nation in limbo as vote counting in tight election expected to take days

Australia was facing a prolonged period of political and economic instability on Monday as key independents who could determine the outcome of a cliffhanger national election ruled out doing a deal with either of the major parties.

The independent candidates shot to prominence on Monday, one of them renewing anti-Asian rhetoric first heard 20 years ago. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull remained under fire for a failed political gamble.