A candidate who missed out on election night could still win a seat after officials confirmed a recount in one of the Island’s closest contests.
A recount has been ordered in the St Helier Central constituency after just 21 votes separated the final successful candidate from the highest-placed loser.
The result saw Reform Jersey’s Lee Carpenter elected with 833 votes – only 21 more than independent candidate Robin Ward, who polled 812.
Because the gap falls within the 1% margin that automatically triggers a recount, election officials have confirmed that ballot papers will be counted again at St Helier Parish Hall from 10am on Wednesday.
Until the recount takes place, Mr Carpenter remains a Member-elect.
How do things stand?
The current results are:
- Carina Alves (Reform Jersey) – 1,106 (elected)
- Lyndsay Feltham (Reform Jersey) – 982 (elected)
- Catherine Curtis (Reform Jersey) – 850 (elected)
- Lee Carpenter (Reform Jersey) – 833 (elected)
- Robin Ward – 812 (not elected)
The recount adds a fresh twist to a dramatic election for Reform Jersey.
While the party retained all four of its St Helier Central seats – with Carina Alves, Lyndsay Feltham and Catherine Curtis also elected – it suffered major setbacks elsewhere, including the loss of party leader Sam Mézec’s Island-wide seat and defeats for other high-profile candidates Education Minister Rob Ward, who unsuccessfully stood for Constable, and sitting St Saviour Deputy Raluca Kovacs who had hoped to retain her seat.
If the recount were to overturn the result, Mr Ward would take the final St Helier Central seat instead of Mr Carpenter.
The recount will begin at 10am on Wednesday at St Helier Parish Hall.
