The narrow victory claimed by One Nation candidate Chantelle Thomas, a former make-up artist and rising star in Pauline Hanson’s party, in South Australia’s Narungga seat faces fresh scrutiny after officials uncovered 81 previously uncounted ballot papers.

Discovery of Overlooked Ballots

Election authorities in South Australia ordered a new recount following the find of 77 unopened absent ordinary ballot papers and four declaration ballots mistakenly returned with votes inside. These ballots sat in three sealed boxes connected to the Narungga electorate and nearby Stuart.

Thomas secured the win on April 2 by a mere 58 votes over Liberal rival Tania Stock after an initial recount. The newly discovered votes exceed that slim margin, prompting immediate action to ensure electoral accuracy.

Recount Details and Official Response

The recount commences on Friday. Acting Electoral Commissioner Leah McLay confirmed that all candidates received notification of the development. She emphasized the process safeguards the election’s integrity.

“The purpose of the count is for the commission to determine whether the result would have differed had those ballots been included in the initial count and subsequent recount,” McLay stated.

McLay noted the recount may not alter the declared outcome, where One Nation stands as the victor. However, should the results shift in favor of the Liberals, the matter would require Crown advice and potential review by the Court of Disputed Returns.

“If the recount was to indicate that, then we would seek Crown advice and look to the disputed court of returns,” she added.