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CANBERRA: Australian independent MP Bob Katter Tuesday backed conservative opposition leader Tony Abbott to form the next government, leaving the future administration's make-up hanging in the balance.
Katter's announcement, ahead of a decision by fellow "kingmakers" Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott, leaves Abbott dead level with Prime Minister Julia Gillard on 74 seats each.
"I will be backing (Abbott's) coalition," Katter said in Canberra. "This morning I said that's my decision, fellas. I'm really sorry, I'm locked in," he added.
Windsor and Oakeshott are expected to make a statement later on Tuesday, handing either Gillard or Abbott power with a one-seat majority in the 150-member parliament.
The dramatic final day caps more than two weeks of furious horse-trading after August 21 elections produced the first hung parliament in 70 years, extending a period of unusual political upheaval.
-AFP/wk
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