The Australian Labor Party may lose almost half of its lower house seats in the upcoming election in September based on the results of a new poll. The results of the JWS Research poll were published today in the Australian Financial Review amid speculation that Kevin Rudd may once again challenge PM Julia Gillard before this week ends.

The results show nine Labor ministers would lose their seats. The polls were conducted using 47 seats held by the ruling party with a margin of 12 per cent or less. Results indicate a likely swing against Labor by 7.6 per cent based on two-party system designed to determine which party would be more inclined to organize a government under the preferential voting system of Australia.

The Australian Labor Party would do well in the election if Kevin Rudd would lead it based on the JWS polls. There will be time to switch leaders within the week if the Canberra parliament will declare a recess.

While PM Gillard says she won't give in to resignation, rumours are circulating in the last few weeks indicate Rudd will be fighting for the job he lost three years ago due to backroom party coup.

If Julia Gillard, the first female prime minister in Australia, refuse to hand over her leadership, a competition may be in order if the most Labor members would demand a party-room vote. In February 12, Gillard won over Rudd with 71 votes to Rudd's 31. Rudd said he would not challenge Gillard anytime soon.

The JWS research poll says 26 per cent of 3,903 voters want to choose a coalition that would be in favor of Labor if Rudd will take over the leadership. The poll was conducted on June 22-23. Margin of error is pegged at 1.6 per cent.

Personal support for PM Gillard has dropped to record lows as Tony Abbott almost has the same standing among women according to the Australian. The quarterly Newspoll results show Opposition Leader Abbott almost has the same popularity among female voters as Gillard.