SA Election: Labor's Lead, One Nation Surge, Voter Apathy

On this March 12th in Adelaide, here's what is making headlines.

South Australia's state election is set for March 21st, and polls predict a massive win for premier Peter Malinowskas and the Labour Party.

Political analysts Matthew Abraham warns that apathetic voters could lead to a hollow democratic system dominated by one strong leader.

Labour holds a solid 60-40% two-party preferred lead, with their primary vote at 44%.

Meanwhile, candidate numbers have exploded to 388, compared to just 240 last time.

Liberals trail badly at 14% primary, while one nation surges to 24%, setting up a wild preference scramble on election.

Night Voters seem distracted by global issues like Middle East tensions driving up fuel and grocery costs, sideline local races.

Abraham notes Malinowskas' sharp no-nonsense style has popularity, but also prompted resignations, including treasurer Stephen Mulligan as state.

Debt climbs toward $50 billion.

Key promises from Labour's last win have faltered, from easing hospital overcrowding, to a $593 million green hydrogen.

Project NYALA, where $280 million in public funds, have vanished without results.

Abraham urges picking candidates wisely across all parties to avoid long-term one-party rule and a weak opposition.

Without strong checks, the state risks stagnation, much like after past dominant leaders left a fractured political scene.

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