The future of Harrison ward is in limbo, with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) ordering a recount of votes this afternoon.
Provisional results released this morning saw the final spot being snapped up by former mayor Kim McAliney by just one vote ahead of Point Cook resident John Frost. Other provisional winners included independents Tony Hooper and Aaron An, and incumbent Labor councillor Intaj Khan.
In a statement, the VEC said the result of the ward election included a number of “close, critical decisions, including the last distribution”. This decision was made by the VEC and was not prompted by any request.
Both candidates welcomed the recount.
“I think it’s a good move for good governance and transparency,” she said.
“If I was the unsuccessful candidate that missed out by one vote, I’d want a recount.”
Mr Frost said: “I’m happy I was in there with a chance, and I’m glad they’re doing a recount because it was so close.”
The recount will commence at 8am on November 2 at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
The ward proved to be the most hotly contested with 41 hopefuls battling it out for a spot, breaking the state’s record for most candidates contesting a single ward.
The formal declaration for all three Wyndham wards has been rescheduled to 5.30pm on Thursday evening at the council chambers in Werribee.
