Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne remains confident of a clear result in the United States election, despite Donald Trump undermining faith in the process.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Joe Biden appears on track to become US president but Mr Trump continues to falsely claim the election is being stolen from him.
"I'm confident that the US systems and processes that have stood the test of time will deliver an outcome and it is important that we wait for that," Senator Payne told the ABC on Thursday.
"It's important that we respect that process, that every vote is counted, and I'm sure that they will be."
Mr Biden has pulled ahead in crucial swing states but the president continues to peddle baseless claims of electoral fraud.
Senator Payne said there was no doubt the election stalemate was a "difficult moment" for the US.
Labor foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong said Americans had voted in historic numbers and their votes should be respected.
"They deserve to have their voices heard," she said.
"The democratic process must be respected, even when it takes time.
"It's in Australia's interest that America remains a credible, stable democracy."
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull tweeted a simple message: "Count every vote".
Liberal MP and former diplomat Dave Sharma was also concerned.
"Above all else, being a democratic leader means respecting the verdict of the voters, the sanctity of the process, and facilitating a peaceful transfer of power when needed," he said.
"Patience and humility are both necessary virtues."
Australian Associated Press
