Zoe Daniel Concedes Defeat in Goldstein After Partial Recount
Former independent MP acknowledges Liberal candidate Tim Wilson's narrow victory following a recount that highlighted discrepancies in the initial vote tally.
Zoe Daniel, the former independent MP for the Goldstein electorate, has officially conceded defeat to Liberal candidate Tim Wilson after a partial recount of the votes revealed a margin of just 175 votes separating the two candidates.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) completed the recount process on a significant portion of the ballots, which included approximately 85,000 votes, representing 75% of the total cast in the election.
Initial reports indicated a 260-vote margin in favor of Wilson.
In her statement following the recount, Daniel expressed gratitude to her constituents for their support that led to her election in the 2022 Federal Election.
She noted the close contest as a reflection of the community's engagement and concern for their future.
Daniel stated, "Goldstein is now one of the most marginal seats in the country, and with that comes embedded accountability.
In that, we have done our job."
The AEC attributed the discrepancies between the initial count and the recount results to a data entry error made during previous counting efforts, along with adjustments based on further determinations of ballot paper formalities due to challenges raised by candidate-appointed scrutineers.
An AEC spokesperson emphasized the transparency of the recount process, stating all counting activities were conducted in view of scrutineers designated by the contesting candidates.
Expressing her appreciation, Daniel acknowledged the professionalism and dedication of the AEC staff to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, particularly at a time when trust in elections is waning in many parts of the world.
She thanked her team of scrutineers, volunteers, and supporters for their efforts throughout the campaign and during the counting process, saying they engaged with the community in challenging conditions and contributed to a broader vision of democracy.
The recount followed Wilson's declaration of victory on May 7, which was prompted by a significant swing in postal votes that favored the Liberal candidate, reversing early gains made by Daniel on election night.
Meanwhile, the electoral map remains unfinished as the NSW seat of Bradfield awaits its recount, where results have indicated a near-tie between the Liberal and Independent candidates, a process that may extend up to two weeks.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) completed the recount process on a significant portion of the ballots, which included approximately 85,000 votes, representing 75% of the total cast in the election.
Initial reports indicated a 260-vote margin in favor of Wilson.
In her statement following the recount, Daniel expressed gratitude to her constituents for their support that led to her election in the 2022 Federal Election.
She noted the close contest as a reflection of the community's engagement and concern for their future.
Daniel stated, "Goldstein is now one of the most marginal seats in the country, and with that comes embedded accountability.
In that, we have done our job."
The AEC attributed the discrepancies between the initial count and the recount results to a data entry error made during previous counting efforts, along with adjustments based on further determinations of ballot paper formalities due to challenges raised by candidate-appointed scrutineers.
An AEC spokesperson emphasized the transparency of the recount process, stating all counting activities were conducted in view of scrutineers designated by the contesting candidates.
Expressing her appreciation, Daniel acknowledged the professionalism and dedication of the AEC staff to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, particularly at a time when trust in elections is waning in many parts of the world.
She thanked her team of scrutineers, volunteers, and supporters for their efforts throughout the campaign and during the counting process, saying they engaged with the community in challenging conditions and contributed to a broader vision of democracy.
The recount followed Wilson's declaration of victory on May 7, which was prompted by a significant swing in postal votes that favored the Liberal candidate, reversing early gains made by Daniel on election night.
Meanwhile, the electoral map remains unfinished as the NSW seat of Bradfield awaits its recount, where results have indicated a near-tie between the Liberal and Independent candidates, a process that may extend up to two weeks.
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