FED: Fran Bailey claims "discovery" of two votes=2

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2007
FED: Fran Bailey claims "discovery" of two votes=2

Ms Bailey said reports of missing votes also were grounds for a recount.

"Another two ballots appearing from heaven-knows-where this morning I certainly think
that adds considerable weight to the case for a recount."

Other areas of concern included inconsistencies in rulings about the formality in ballot
papers, counts undertaken without the presence of Liberal scrutineers, a lack of security
over ballot papers and uncertainty about the number of votes cast.

She also alleges differences between the counts of scrutineers and the AEC, acceptance
of ballot papers that were not initialled by AEC officials and questions the large numbers
of absentee votes.

The AEC said a recount was not automatic in the case of a close result but it would
consider the grounds for another look.

Mr Mitchell said he was not prepared yet to claim victory in McEwen.

"I won't claim it until I get the phone call from the AEC saying they've declared it," he said.

The result in McEwen - whether by five or seven votes - is the second closest in federal
election history.

AAP pw/srp/maur/bwl

KEYWORD: POLL07 MCEWEN LEAD 2 CANBERRA

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