WikiLeaks founder to stand for Senate in Victoria

Melboune, Feb 13: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, currently hold up in Ecuador embassy in London, will stand for the Senate in Victoria for the September federal poll as the lead candidate of a newly formed WikiLeaks Party.

According to 'The Age' yesterday, the 41-year-old hacker- turned activist's application for electoral enrolment in the state was received by Australian Electoral Commission here.

The application was given by WikiLeaks supporters and his father John Shipton who has been active in the initial organisation of the party.

Shipton said Assange's enrolment was "a first step" in a political campaign that would focus on "the democratic requirement of truthfulness from government".

The party is not yet registered with Australian Electoral Commission and has an initial 10-member national council comprised of close associates of Assange and pro-WikiLeaks activists.

The report said that its constitution highlights on the promotion of openness and transparency in government and business.

Assange has nominated his mother's home in Mentone, in the federal electorate of Isaacs, as his address for eligible enrolment before his most recent trip overseas in June 2010.

Assange has indicated that if elected and unable to return to Australia to take up a seat in the Senate, a WikiLeaks Party nominee would fill the vacancy.

PTI