Liberal leader Ashton Hurn urged transparency, stating that any additional uncounted votes must be identified, counted, and scrutineered according to procedures.

The 81 overlooked ballots include 77 unopened absent ordinary ballots and 4 declaration ballots, all returned in sealed boxes tied to Narungga and nearby Stuart.

South Australian Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn called for swift action from the Electoral Commission to clarify the seat’s fate.

A recount is underway in the South Australian seat of Narungga after more than 80 unopened ballots were found, potentially changing a result decided by a 58-vote margin in favor of One Nation’s Chantelle Thomas.

The episode raises questions about election processes and preparedness, in the context of recent electoral-law changes supported by Liberal members.

The Electoral Commission has identified over 600 uncounted ballots in three sealed boxes and will hold an additional count to assess whether the outcome would have differed.

If the recount indicates a Liberal victory, the matter would be resolved with Crown advice through the courts.

The Narungga result had already undergone a recount; the new count aims to decide if the missing ballots would have altered the outcome, potentially leading to legal action or a petition to the Court of Disputed Returns.

The commission said the recount could either uphold or overturn the declared result, with any change referred to the Disputed Court of Returns for determination.

Deputy Premier Kyam Maher noted the complexity of elections and pledged a fair, free process, with potential independent reviews of the process and voter experience, pointing to delays, understaffing, and the First Nations vote as issues under scrutiny.

If the recount overturns the result, the SA Electoral Commission would face legal proceedings and likely consult with the Court of Disputed Returns.

Deputy Electoral Commissioner Leah McLay said the result has been declared but the recount is essential for integrity, with 81 unopened votes found at a Port Pirie early voting centre in Stuart, raising process concerns without suggesting interference.