Early voting for the Australian federal election commenced on tuesday, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s centre-left Labor Party maintaining a narrow lead over the conservative opposition.

The Australian Electoral Commission estimates up to half of eligible voters may cast their ballots before the May 3 election due to a rise in early and postal voting, according to Reuters.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton's popularity has dipped, thanks in part to comparisons to former US President Trump. Dutton recently reversed a divisive policy requiring government employees to return to full-time employment while proposing large public-sector cuts, provoking criticism for his perceived alignment with Trump-era policies, Reuters reported.

Labor has gained traction in recent months, overcoming a six-point disadvantage in January to lead by high to nine points earlier in April. A Newspoll survey released Sunday shows Labor ahead by four points after preference distribution.