Electoral system family

Section 26A ‘Counting of votes in election’

(1) This section and section 26B apply to the counting of votes marked on un-rejected ballot-papers in any election except a by-election.

(2) For each constituency the Returning Officer must:

(a) ascertain the total number of first preference votes, second preference votes and third preference votes, and so on, cast for each candidate and make a list of the total number of such preference votes;

(b) give the value of unity to each first preference vote, one half to each second preference vote, one third to each third preference vote, and so on, the value of each preference vote being the reciprocal of the number of the preference indicated by the elector; and

(c) add the values of the votes for each candidate and make out and sign a statement specifying the total value of the preference votes for the candidate.

Section 26B ‘Determination of result of election’

(1) In a constituency returning 2 members, the 2 candidates receiving the highest total value of votes calculated under section 26A are elected.

(2) In a constituency returning 3 members, the 3 candidates receiving the highest total value of votes calculated in accordance with section 26A are elected.

(3) In a constituency returning 4 members, the 4 candidates receiving the highest total value of votes calculated in accordance with section 26A are elected.

(4) If 2 or more candidates receive an equal value of votes and one or more of the candidates must be excluded, the Returning Officer must determine under section 27A the candidate or candidates to be excluded.