Liberal candidate Dan Bobbett from Topsail-Paradise has highlighted discrepancies observed by his scrutineers during the vote counting process as the primary motive behind seeking a judicial recount. Bobbett noted that while standard voting instructions require marking the ballot with an “X” next to the chosen candidate, his team observed several ballots with circles, check marks, writing, or multiple X’s during both the special ballot count and on election day. Some circled ballots were accepted, while others were not, raising concerns about the consistency of the process.
Following the October provincial election, the Liberals pursued recounts in three districts, including Placentia West-Bellevue, Topsail-Paradise, and Lewisporte-Twillingate. The Supreme Court authorized a recount specifically for Topsail-Paradise, where Bobbett lost to PC incumbent Paul Dinn by a margin of 102 votes. Despite a thorough recount lasting about four days, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer ultimately confirmed Dinn as the winner, with only two fewer votes than the initial recount.
Bobbett expressed contentment with the recount procedure but urged Elections N.L. to address the identified inconsistencies. He emphasized the need for enhanced training processes to mitigate such issues in the future, suggesting improvements in tallying methods and sheet management. Bobbett underscored the significance of the judicial recount in upholding democratic principles and instilling confidence in the electoral system.
In a social media post, Premier Tony Wakeham extended congratulations to Dinn for his re-election, emphasizing the resilience of democracy. Liberal Leader John Hogan anticipated the prompt reopening of the House of Assembly post-recount completion, urging Wakeham to fulfill his commitment. With the conclusion of the recount process and no further recounts in other districts, the swearing-in of MHAs proceeded, with Dwyer and Butt already sworn in on Nov. 18. Dinn is expected to follow suit shortly.
**Image:**
PC MHA for Topsail-Paradise Paul Dinn emerged victorious after the judicial recount in his district. (CBC)
**Hopes for Swift House of Assembly Reopening:**
Liberal leader John Hogan commended Dinn on his win and called for the immediate reopening of the House of Assembly, as pledged by Wakeham post-recount completion. Wakeham had previously indicated that the assembly’s opening was contingent on all MHAs being sworn in. Following the resolution to forego recounts in other districts, the swearing-in of MHAs proceeded, with Dwyer and Butt already sworn in. Dinn’s swearing-in is anticipated shortly post-recount resolution.