Australian leader John Howard is facing the possibility of losing his seat at the upcoming election, which would make him the first prime minister to do so in nearly 80 years. Changes to the electoral boundaries in his safe Sydney seat of Bennelong have made it more competitive, with a swing of around 4 percent needed to defeat him. The increase in Asian migrants in the area, particularly Chinese and Koreans who now make up 20 percent of voters, is also seen as a challenge for Howard as he seeks a fifth term in office. Some voters, including editor Jason Koh of a local Korean newspaper, believe Howard has used divisive tactics, such as his stance against boatpeople, to win elections in the past. In a departure from past elections, the opposition Labor party has selected a well-known candidate, former television and news magazine journalist Maxine McKew, to run against Howard in the seat he has represented since 1974. McKew, who recently moved into the area, is currently ahead of Howard in polls and with betting agencies. Howard, realizing he is facing a tough competition in his own constituency, has been actively engaging with voters by attending community events and spending more time in Bennelong. The recent Granny Smith Apple Festival, typically a quiet fair, turned into a lively election rally when both Howard and McKew made appearances. Hundreds of supporters from both candidates were seen holding placards and balloons, engaging in a vocal battle. According to John Booth, editor of The Weekly Times, this was the first time in 21 years that Howard had participated in the festival. Booth mentioned that Howard seemed to be making an effort to engage with the community, indicating that he is aware of the tough competition he is facing. Booth also expressed his belief that Howard might lose his seat, as many people he has spoken to, including those who voted for him previously, are seeking a change. Bennelong, named after a prominent Aboriginal figure in Australian history who was taken to England in 1792, encompasses some of Sydney's wealthier northern suburbs. Originally a conservative, middle-class electorate, it has evolved over the years to include more working-class Labor suburbs to the west. The key issues in Bennelong align with national concerns such as economic management, the Iraq war, climate change, and workplace laws, but it stands out due to its significant Asian-Australian population, including 12,000 Chinese and 5,000 Koreans. Immigration and Australia-Asia relations are crucial topics in this electorate, where half of the residents were either born overseas or have immigrant parents. Koh stated that Bennelong's Asian voters have not forgotten Howard's 1988 anti-immigration comments and his government's support for Pauline Hanson in 2001. He believes Howard has a history of dividing people. In contrast, Booth mentioned that Labor has emphasized its Asian connections, showcasing a former state politician and his Asian wife, as well as leader Kevin Rudd who can speak Mandarin. Rudd's ability to converse with Chinese President Hu Jintao at a recent summit in Sydney has gained him support from the Asian community. Koh believes that the Korean and Chinese vote could determine the winner between Howard and McKew in Bennelong.