“Territorians have stood up against nearly two decades of escalating crime and an economy going backwards, and the erosion of our once iconic lifestyle.

“But tomorrow is the start of a new day and a new chapter.”

Chief Minister Eva Lawler was trailing CLP candidate Clinton Howe in what pointed to a devastating loss in her own seat of Drysdale, with a swing of 22.6 per cent on a two-party preferred basis.

“Unfortunately, we have not got over the line tonight. It looks like I have lost my seat and I know some of our great candidates and great members have also lost their seats,” Lawler said in conceding defeat on Saturday.

“So, an absolutely sad night for Labor, but to all of you who are here, the people who have campaigned so hard for us, so hard for so long, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Former chief minister and Labor MP Natasha Fyles said the result was disappointing but paid tribute to Lawler.

“Palmerston is tough. She was the first person to be re-elected as a Labor member with the redistribution but the other factors with the swing against the Labor Party has played into that,” Fyles told ABC Television.

“But it should not take away from the hard work she has done.”

In the seat of Fannie Bay things were looking promising for Greens candidate Suki Dorras-Walker, who was leading the CLP in early voting.

A win there would be the first ever for the Greens in the territory.

In the seat of Mulka, independent candidate Yingiya Mark Guyula was poised to defeat the CLP, promising to represent his country constituents.

Key issues to emerge during the election campaign included the environment, crime and cost of living.

“It looks like a substantial defeat and it looks like the CLP will win with a majority and may be a substantial majority,” Green told ABC Television.

AAP