‘Roller coaster count’
The seat of Bradfield was previously held on a 2.5 per cent margin, but has become an even tighter contes.
A recount is likely in the battle for the northern Sydney electorate of Bradfield after Independent candidate Nicolette Boele just edged in front of Liberal contender Giselle Kapterian by 39 votes.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has begun the full distribution of preferences and should the margin remain under 100 votes, an automatic recount will begin. It means residents will be unlikely to see a final result for weeks.
Bradfield is one of the last remaining seats to be called after the May 3 federal election.
“Over the past two weeks, this count has remained incredibly close and I thank both my wonderful scrutineers and the Australian Electoral Commission counting staff for their efforts throughout,” said Kapterian.
“I also extend my thoughts and consideration to Nicolette Boele and her hardworking team during this roller coaster count.”
Boele said it has been a “nail-biting couple of weeks” and thanked Kapterian for encouraging “civility” and for being a “respectful and formidable candidate”.
“I’m grateful we live in a country with a trusted electoral commission that conducts itself with integrity,” said Boele.
“I didn’t quite think I’d get such a close look at the institutions underpinning our democracy, but seeing the AEC operate over the past few weeks, I’m glad we live in Australia. We should never take our democracy for granted.”
Boele regained the small lead late on Monday according to the AEC after trailing the count for weeks. The Liberals had been hoping to clinch a win, with Kapterian leading for more than a week as postal votes were counted.
On election night more than two weeks ago, it appeared Boele had won the seat, although she stopped short of claiming victory.
The seat of Bradfield was previously held on a 2.5 per cent margin, but has become an even tighter contest after sitting Liberal MP Paul Fletcher announced his retirement in December last year.
The only time a recount changed the result in an election was for the Victorian seat of McEwen in 2007 when, after the first count, Labor Rob Mitchell won by six votes, but following the recount, Liberal Fran Bailey won.