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In a significant victory for the moderate faction of the New South Wales Liberal Party, tech executive Gisele Kapterian has defeated high-profile conservative Warren Mundine for preselection in the prestigious Sydney seat of Bradfield. Kapterian secured over 200 votes, surpassing Mundine’s 171, marking a pivotal moment for the Liberal Party as it grapples with balancing ideologies ahead of the upcoming federal election.
The Battle Between Moderates and Conservatives
This preselection battle was more than just a local contest; it symbolized a clash of ideologies within the Liberal Party. Mundine, known for his strong stance against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament, represented the conservative wing. Backed by notable figures such as former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and frontbencher Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Mundine was a polarizing figure.
On the other hand, Kapterian emerged as a unifying candidate for the moderates. With endorsements from influential leaders like former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley, she presented a vision of inclusivity and forward-thinking leadership.
“We present an alternative trajectory and a different vision for the future,” Kapterian said after her victory, highlighting her commitment to reflecting the values of Bradfield’s progressive electorate.
A Critical Seat for the Liberals
The Bradfield seat, held by the Liberal Party for 75 years, is a critical stronghold the party must retain to remain competitive in the federal election. Traditionally a blue-ribbon seat, its margin was significantly reduced to 4.5% in 2022 when Teals candidate Nicolette Boele mounted a strong challenge against retiring MP Paul Fletcher.
Boele, who is contesting the seat again, congratulated Kapterian on her win while emphasizing her campaign's focus on community representation over party politics.
“We are a great country, but the major party duopoly is holding us back from finding sensible solutions to these problems,” Boele said. She pledged to advocate for common-sense reforms in areas such as clean energy, finance, and governance.
What’s at Stake?
With Bradfield being a pro-Voice seat, Kapterian’s moderate stance aligns better with the electorate’s sentiments than Mundine’s staunch opposition. However, the rising influence of the Teals and a diminishing margin make this seat a battleground that could shape the Liberals’ fortunes in the election.
Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley stressed the importance of retaining every seat, stating, “We don’t take any seat for granted, not one single seat across this country.”
As the federal election looms in the next four months, all eyes will be on Bradfield. Kapterian faces the dual challenge of retaining traditional Liberal supporters while countering the Teals’ progressive appeal.
