Former chief minister Terry Mills was considered prior to the election a potential kingmaker in a minority government.

But early figures in his seat of Blain showed a 10.7 per cent swing to Labor's Mark Turner, a decorated police officer.

One of the other early surprises is the likely Labor loss of the seat of Katherine to Territory Alliance candidate Melanie Usher.

At 7.30pm, Labor appeared on track to retain the seats of Sanderson, Wanguri and Fannie Bay, which is held by Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

Australian Associated Press