The main opposition Labor Party holds a commanding lead in the opinion polls ahead of the general election, which is expected in November 2007. The prime minister, John Howard, has been criticised on a range of issues by the Labor leader, Kevin Rudd. Mr Rudd is articulating well the concerns of voters, something that his predecessors failed to do, and is also the beneficiary of growing popular disillusionment with the government. Strong domestic demand has created inflationary pressures in Australia's economy, and interest rates are therefore likely to remain high over the forecast period. Annual GDP growth is forecast to slow to an average of 3.1% in 2008-09. The current-account deficit will remain large, at an average of 5.9% of GDP in 2008-09.