A dramatic twist has emerged in South Australia’s tightly contested Narungga electorate, with a second recount ordered after dozens of previously uncounted ballot papers were discovered in sealed boxes.
The Electoral Commission of South Australia confirmed that 81 votes—77 absent ordinary ballots and four declaration votes—were found after the initial count and recount had already concluded.
The discovery has triggered a fresh count today (Friday, 17 April), throwing uncertainty over one of the closest results of the 2026 state election.
One Nation candidate Chantelle Thomas had been declared the provisional winner by just 58 votes, making the newly uncovered ballots potentially decisive.
Acting electoral commissioner Leah McLay told media that the recount aims to determine whether the outcome would have changed had the ballots been included earlier. “Let me be clear: the result has already been declared,” McLay said.
“The purpose of the count is to determine whether the result would have differed.”
The ballots, originally lodged in the regional seat of Stuart, were found inside three sealed boxes—prompting an internal investigation into how they were missed during the official counting process.
While the votes will now be added to each candidate’s tally, officials have warned that any change in the result could lead to legal action, including a possible referral to the Court of Disputed Returns.
As per 7News, Thomas criticised the situation, saying the recount was “disappointing” for voters and raised concerns about electoral integrity. “Everyone in Narungga has already spoken,” she said.
“Now it makes us question the integrity of the South Australian elections.”
The Narungga race has been one of the most closely watched contests, reflecting a broader shift away from major parties towards minor candidates across regional South Australia.
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