7 December 2023

MEDIA STATEMENT FROM THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF SA (ECSA)

In preparation for the Court of Disputed Returns case involving an unsuccessful candidate in the City of Adelaide Central Ward Election, the Electoral Commission of SA (ECSA) has reviewed results for the 2022 Local Council Elections and identified an error in the computer software which it uses for counting votes in complex elections.

This issue has regrettably changed the outcome of the election in Adelaide Plains Council area with two candidates incorrectly declared as elected members. 

The Electoral Commissioner has advised Adelaide Plains Council, the affected candidates and council members and is working closely with them to resolve this issue as a matter of urgency.

The Electoral Commissioner is considering seeking leave to file a petition with the Court of Disputed Returns to correct the results of the election as soon as possible to ensure that the results reflect the will of the voters.

For Local Council Elections with a large number of candidates and multiple vacancies, ECSA uses computer software to support the complex count process. This software was used to conduct counts in 25 of the 184 Local Council Elections held in November 2022.

In this case, human error was detected in the settings which has resulted in the incorrect number of ballot papers being distributed from elected candidates for Adelaide Plains Council.

ECSA has reviewed the results of the 25 elections. For 24 of these elections, there was no change in the members elected when the votes were counted again.

ECSA is committed to delivering all elections with the highest possible quality control measures in place and is currently reviewing its internal processes and procedures to ensure errors of this nature do not occur again.

21 May 2024 – Update

Further to the information above, the Electoral Commissioner has sought leave for an extension of time to be granted to allow a petition to be lodged with the Court of Disputed Returns.

Media contact:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: 0401 149 166