VOTES ARE AT THE POLLS IN ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST SCATTERED ELECTORATES ON EARTH, THE NORTHERN TERRITORY IN AUSTRALIA. GEORGE WINWUNGUJ, AN ARNHAM LAND TRIBESMAN, MAKES HISTORY BY BECOMING THE FIRST GULL-BLOOD ABORIGINE TO CONTEST AN ELECTION THERE.

GEORGE WINWUNGUJ (PRONOUNCED ON TAPE AS WINNOWITCH) IS FAMOUS AS A SONG-MAN AND DANCER; HIS CAMPAIGN MANAGER PHILIP ROBERTS IS A WELL-KNOWN LEADER OF THE ABORIGINES. THE MONEY FOR HIS CAMPAIGN HAS COME MOSTLY FROM LABOURERS IN DARWIN AND THE LABOUR PARTY AND INCUMBENT INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES HAVE WITHDRAWN IN HIS FAVOUR.

38 CANDIDATES ARE STANDING IN 7 ELECTORATES FOR THE NORTHERN TERRITORY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. RESULTS WILL NO BE KNOWN FOR SOME TIME BECAUSE OF THE DELAY IN COUNTING POSTAL VOTES. SOME AREAS ARE SO REMOTE, THE INHABITANTS DON'T EVEN KNOW THERE IS AN ELECTION ON.