‘Quiet’ polling booths, vandalism, Labor dominance: Inner West, Canada Bay, Burwood, Strathfield council elections

With election day coming to a close, serious issues of vandalism accompanied with antisemitism have plagued candidates. See the latest results as counting stops.

With election day coming to a close, serious issues of vandalism accompanied with antisemitism have plagued candidates.

Tension towards the Gaza-Israel war has been a hot topic within the inner west, which reached boiling point when a council meeting had to be abandoned and police called after a pro-Palestinian protesters swarmed the council chambers.

Unfortunately, this has spilt over in the local election with many candidates’ posters being vandalised, some with antisemitic material.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has seen many of his posters vandalised, with the majority of his flyers tarnished at the very polling both he stands at.

“It’s ridiculous to see some of the stuff that is going on,” he said.

Darcy Byrne’s photo was vandalised at the polling booth.

Anti-Semitic graffiti and vandalism was seen through the election campaign.

“Some of these councillors are the nicest people I know and they are being targeted.”

Earlier, Independent Councillor John Stamolis spoke on his chances at securing another term at the council, however said that the best an independent party member could hope for was to be “competitive”.

“I’ve seen votes going through for me, but I think Labor has been on top and Liberal has been in second,” he said.

“Based on what I’m seeing, it’s looking like I might be OK for the third spot.”

Inner West Council Election results.

As of 10pm on Saturday, Mr Byrne had a comfortable lead with 45.20 per cent of the votes within the Balmain district.

The Greens and Ismet Tastan hold the second strongest position with 28.72 per cent of the votes.

Ashfeild 

Labor dominance continues within the Ashfield Ward with Jessica D’Arienzo ahead with 43.17 per cent of votes, just edging out Greens Party leader Izabella Antoniou who was sitting at 38.64 per cent.

Liberals Zhang Wenjie sits at the 18.19 per cent.

Leichhardt

Once again, Labor is holding strong across the inner west with Phillipa Scott sitting on a lead of 42.22 per cent of votes with Greens member Andrew Blake having to make up some distance with 33.87 per cent.

Liberal look to make up some ground as Vittoria Raciti stands on 24.14 per cent.

Marrickville 

Labor’s Matt Howard has taken a slight lead in voting with 42.64 per cent of the votes but is closely tailed by Greens Olivia Barlow at 38.03 per cent.

Liberal Victor Marci has a solid 19.33 per cent.

Stanmore

In a neck and neck race, Greens Liz Atkins is ahead in the polls with 44.45 per cent of the votes. Deputy Mayor and Labor candidate Chloe Smith is close behind with 43.01 per cent.

Liberal candidate Rosana Tyler holds 12.45 per cent.

Canada Bay

The three horse race for Mayor in Canada Bay looks like it could be a close finish, with 32,000 votes counted so far. Liberal Michael Megna has 44.58 per cent of the votes and is closely followed by Independent Andrew Ferguson who claims 39.34 per cent of votes.

Greens Charles Jago trails with 16.08 per cent.

Canada Bay Councillor Andrew Ferguson

Mr Ferguson said he was pleased to see the results of Canada Bay so far.

“There are many more votes to count,” he said.

“At this stage it is neck and neck with the final result probably dependent on preferences.

“I congratulate all the candidates for the respectful way in which the campaign was conducted.”

Earlier today, Canada Bay had “quieter” than usual polling booths, however that didn’t slow down the amount of people that feel like they “don’t have to be polite” according to Greens councillor Charles Jargo.

Michael Megna

“It’s been fairly slow from what I’ve seen here today and I think a lot of that has to do with the pre-voting,” he said.

“You’ve got a few liberal voters who kind look at the greens and turn off their nose, but they think they’re the majority when they are probably not.

NSW Greens candidate Charles Jago

“Our reception was probably warmer than previous years but you still always have people who don’t want to show any manners.”

With the Mayoral race to be decided tonight, Mr Jargo is keen to see which way the tide will turn.

“I really wish I could see who was ahead at the moment but once we get our Mayoral vote we will see which way the wind is blowing,” he said.

Burwood

The three horse race for the Burwood mayoral seat looks to have a commanding favourite with current Mayor John Faker ahead with 62.25 per cent of the votes.

Burwood Mayor John Faker. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Davil Hull will most likely fall short in second place at 25.22 per cent.

Strathfield

With half of the votes tallied, it’s a tight race for seats on Strathfield Council.

Liberal candidate John-Paul Baladi has taken a slight lead as the ticket leader with 34.92 per cent of the votes followed by the Labor Party’s Rory Nosworthy on 32.89 per cent.