Australia's rival political leaders spar in 2nd TV debate

Australia's main candidates, incumbent rightist Prime Minister Scott Morrison and main opposition leader Anthony Albanese of the leftist Labour party took part in the second leaders debate on Sunday, less than two weeks from the country's general election.

Morrison and Albanese fielded questions from a panel of journalists with the viewers at home asked to vote online on how the leaders handled themselves during the debate.

According to the viewer verdict poll after the debate, 51 percent of viewers voted that Albanese won the debate, while 49 percent backed Morrison.

Early voting will open around the country on Monday, May 9, with the election held on May 21.