Australia's two main political parties are trying to win over independent lawmakers following an inconclusive election that resulted in the country's first hung parliament since 1940. Financial markets are expected to react negatively when trading resumes on Monday, with analysts predicting a drop in the Australian dollar and shares. The vote count is expected to continue for several days, with neither the Labor party nor the opposition able to secure a majority. Economist Craig James of Commsec warned that the uncertainty could have a significant impact on the financial markets, potentially leading to a decrease in the Australian dollar. With 78 percent of votes counted, a hung parliament is the most likely outcome, with two potential scenarios for a minority government involving either a conservative administration supported by rural independents or a Labor government supported by Green or environmentally conscious MPs. The latter option is causing concern among investors, especially after Prime Minister Julia Gillard expressed willingness to discuss policies with this diverse group of lawmakers during early talks on Sunday. Gillard stated that she aims to negotiate in a sincere manner to create a successful government formation agreement. She emphasized that her Labor party is more capable of providing a steady government, pointing out their higher number of votes compared to the conservatives. In a similar vein, Conservative leader Tony Abbott also engaged with some crossbench MPs on Sunday. He mentioned having brief conversations with the three current independents and expressed his intention to approach discussions pragmatically while staying within the policy framework discussed during the election. Abbott made these remarks to reporters in Sydney. Lawmakers from the independent and Green parties elected in the recent election have a variety of priorities. The Greens support higher income and company taxes, while the independents focus on more transparent government and reducing banana imports. The Greens, likely to hold the balance of power in the Senate, will advocate for action on climate change, as Labor has delayed their emissions trading scheme until 2012 and conservatives are against a carbon price. Senator Bob Brown, leader of the Greens, believes it is crucial to take action on climate change, proposing an interim fixed carbon price of A$20 a tonne. Treasurer Wayne Swan reassured markets that the current Labor caretaker government will provide stability until a new government is formed. He said that Australia's economy is one of the strongest in the world, with a stable financial system and top-notch regulators who have effectively served both political parties. UBS chief strategist David Cassidy noted that investors would prefer a minority conservative government over a Labor-Green coalition, as conservative leader Abbott has promised to eliminate Labor's proposed 30 percent mining tax. This tax has impacted mining stocks like BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, as well as the Australian dollar. Cassidy predicted moderate selling due to the uncertainty, stating that markets would be uneasy with a Labor government supported by the Greens. Greens leader Brown met with Gillard, who removed former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in a party coup in June, for initial discussions on Sunday. Brown later stated that no agreements were made, no policies were talked about, and no demands were presented. He expressed readiness to also meet with Abbott, emphasizing their track record of responsible collaboration with larger parties for positive outcomes in positions of balance of power. Election analysts predicted that both Gillard's Labor party and the opposition conservatives would likely not have enough seats to govern independently, necessitating the support of four independents and a Green MP. One of these independent candidates, Andrew Wilkie, who leans towards the Green and center-left ideologies, hinted at receiving a call from Gillard but did not disclose which major party he would support. Wilkie mentioned being open-minded and willing to support the party that could ensure a stable and ethical government. Another independent, Bob Katter, a unique individual from the outback who wears a stetson hat, stated that he would back the political party that he believed would prioritize the needs of rural communities and uphold their rights to engage in activities like fishing, camping, hunting, and shooting. Independent Tony Windsor expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with any party once the final election results were announced, as reported by local media. Some of these independent candidates hold protectionist beliefs and openly voice their concerns about Chinese investment in Australian resources.