Bradfield’s cliffhanger: Independent Nicolette Boele edges ahead by 28 votes over Liberal Gisele Kapterian

Bradfield’s is still on a knife’s edge, with it set to be declared on Thursday. Teal candidate Nicolette Boele holds a narrow lead over Liberal Gisele Kapterian after a full recount following the federal election.

The federal seat of Bradfield has become the focus of national attention as the contest between Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian and independent “teal” challenger Nicolette Boele comes down to the wire — with just 28 votes separating the two after all ballots were counted.

According to the Australian Electoral Commission, Boele holds a razor-thin lead in the two-candidate-preferred count, with 56,118 votes - 50.01 per cent - to Kapterian’s 56,090- 49.99 per cent.

Independent candidate for Bradfield Nicolette Boele on the hustings at Killara High School in her electorate.

Liberal candidate for Bradfield, Gisele Kapterian, talking to voters in Chatswood.

Originally, the incredibly tight margin triggered a mandatory recount, a process that is not expected be resolved until the count concludes on Thursday.

The result marks a dramatic turn in one of the country’s most historically secure Liberal seats as Bradfield has been held by the Liberals since its creation in 1949, is now at risk of falling to an independent for the first time in its history.

The Bradfield count saw multiple dramatic shifts as at one point both candidates were tied at 56,190 votes and Boele had earlier been declared the provisional winner, but an administrative error was discovered, dramatically narrowing her lead.

People watch the results on a TV at the election night Nicolette Boele event at Buckle Cafe and Distillery in Artarmon. Picture: Damian Shaw

Initially, Boele had been ahead by 48 votes before the margin flipped, placing Kapterian in front by eight votes late which triggered the AEC’s announcement of a full recount on May 23.

Boele, who previously contested the seat in 2022, returned with a stronger grassroots campaign focused on climate action, political integrity, and gender equity — core issues for the so-called “teal independent” movement that has made inroads in traditionally conservative strongholds.

Kapterian, a fresh face for the Liberals after former MP Paul Fletcher retired, had been working to retain the party’s grip on the seat. Her campaign focused on economic management, national security, and infrastructure — issues long associated with the Liberal brand in Bradfield’s affluent North Shore.
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