Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian has abandoned her court action challenging the election result in Bradfield.
Kapterian says it’s now clear the correct result had been called in Bradfield, a federal seat on Sydney’s north shore.
Independent Nicolette Boele was declared winner of the seat by just 26 votes.
“After a final review of the ballot papers following the two different results in Bradfield, I am satisfied that, overall, the correct outcome has been declared,” Kapterian wrote on social media.
“Accordingly, we have taken the decision to no longer press the petition for a final review by the Court of Disputed Returns.”
Kapterian won the first count after the May 3 election by just eight votes but a recount was automatically ordered in the seat by the Australian Electoral Commission as it was so close.
Boele was then declared the winner by 26 votes in the recount and has since been sworn into federal parliament as the member for Bradfield.
Kapterian went on to seek an adjudication from the Court of Disputed Returns over the validity of 151 ballots.
Writing on Instagram, Kapterian said she wished Boele well going forward and thanked AEC for undertaking the work. She said she was disappointed not to be able to contribute from inside the party room, but would continue to play a part from the outside.
“I wish Ms Boele all the best in the role and I thank the people of Bradfield for this incredible opportunity to have spoken with so many of you to hear your ideas, your stories, and what matters most to you,” Kapterian wrote.
Meanwhile, Boele has released a statement after Kapterian’s decision, saying she would continue to serve with “integrity, care and dedication”.
“Today Ms Kapterian conceded defeat in Bradfield and abandoned her challenge in the Court of Disputed Returns,” Boele said.
“This means I will continue to have the honour of representing the people of Bradfield as their Federal Member of Parliament. Serving this community is the privilege of my lifetime, and I do not take this responsibility lightly. I will continue to serve with integrity, care, and dedication.”
Boele said being part of the process had given her a greater appreciation for the safeguards we have in place in Australian elections, and the value of every single vote.
“While we watch checks and balances erode in other countries, our electoral and judicial processes are something we can genuinely celebrate here at home,” Boele said.
“I will continue to serve the people of Bradfield and ensure your voice is heard and respected in Canberra.”