Updated February 20, 2018 16:52:08

SA Best leader Nick Xenophon has long used stunts as a part of his political career, and this time it's of the election ad kind.

While many might remember the "It's Time" Labor campaign from 1972, the former senator has channelled some old-school advertising as he tries to get South Australians to say "yes" to SA Best in next month's state election.

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And it's received quite the response on social media.

The clip — which runs for more than two minutes — includes everything from Bollywood-style dancing, to Mr Xenophon sorting hay on a truck and emerging from a hospital bed.

While other parties have opted for telling voters how they plan to improve the state, or negative ads aimed at their opponents, Mr Xenophon has selected a jingle and plenty of awkward dancing from his candidates.

The party — which has faced criticism for lacking detailed policy — offers broad promises in the clip to bring down power prices, stop young people moving interstate for work and improve the budget bottom line.

"We're the best, we're SA Best. Come on and put us to the test," the lyrics say.

Mr Xenophon said he wanted to offer a positive way forward for South Australians.

"That was a traumatic experience for me but I'm glad someone's enjoyed it," he said of his performance.

"It might be cheesy but, unlike other political ads, it's not poisonous."

He explained the Bollywood reference came about through the team who helped make the video.

"One of the people in the film crew had a relative who ran an Indian supermarket so that helped cut the cost down."

The social media response to the ad and its low-budget production values was swift.

So how does it compare to other election ads?

While some political advertising in Australia has drawn attention online, most political commercials are well-produced and tested on audiences before going to air.

However, overseas there have been plenty of productions which have copped criticism in recent elections.

In the United States, Democrat Dan Helmer tried to channel Top Gun for this clip ahead of the 2016 US election:

And who could forget the Conservative candidate for East Yorkshire, Greg Knight?

He became an overnight sensation for his stunningly awkward 'Alan Partridge'-esque delivery and catchy jingle, fresh from the 1980s ahead of the 2017 UK election:

Topics: states-and-territories, elections, government-and-politics, adelaide-5000, sa

First posted February 20, 2018 15:41:03