Wikileaks founder Julian AssangeWikileaks founder Julian Assange says he intends to run for a seat in the Australian Senate in next year’s federal election and will announce the formation of a WikiLeaks party.
He made the announcement from the Ecuadorian embassy in London.
The whistleblower told Fairfax Media that plans to register the political party were “significantly advanced” and added that “a number of very worthy people admired by the Australian public” have expressed their availability to run for election on the party ticket.
Assange says he is able to register as an overseas elector in New South Wales and Victoria. He added that a “strategic decision” will determine which state he chooses to represent.
If he were elected but unable to return to Australia to take up his position, a nominee would occupy his seat.