(1) This section sets out the process for the counting of votes at a countback.
(2) All the votes counted in the original election are to be counted in accordance with the process specified in Division 7.
(3) The quota for election in the countback is the same quota as that which applied to the count of votes in the original election.
(4) The preferences indicated on ballot‑papers are to be disregarded during the countback unless they are preferences indicated for—
(a) a Councillor who was previously elected at the original election; or
S. 285(4)(ab) inserted by No. 30/2022 s. 39.
(ab) a Councillor who was previously elected at a countback occurring after the original election referred to in paragraph (a); or
(b) an eligible candidate.
(5) A countback under this section does not affect the election of a previously elected candidate.
(6) The election or exclusion of a previously elected candidate during the countback has effect only for the purpose of the continuation of the count.
(7) The countback stops—
(a) as soon as a candidate who was not previously elected obtains a quota; or
(b) when only one candidate who was not previously elected remains in the count.
(8) If a candidate—
(a) who was not previously elected obtains a quota; or
(b) is the only candidate who was not previously elected remaining in the count—
section 282(1) applies.
Division 9—Electoral offences