While it was clear the Liberals were set to govern in minority weeks ago, the end of the vote count leaves the party with one less seat than expected, making forming government harder.

The Coalition lead Labor 53–47, excluding undecided, in a federal Essential poll.

Despite a swing against it, the Liberal party has likely won the most seats, but will fall short of a majority. While the vote counting will continue, the political fight is now to form government.

The polls are favouring the Liberals for Saturday’s state election, but whether they could govern in their own right is far less clear.

Tasmanians head to the polls on Saturday in an election that was called more than a year early. After a largely uninspiring campaign, here’s your guide to state election.