Electoral Commission calls in police to probe ‘dodgy’ how-to-vote cards

NT Police will investigate allegations that ‘dodgy’ how-to-vote cards were distributed before the council elections. Read the latest.

The Northern Territory Electoral Commission has referred allegations of how-to-vote-card fraud to the police.

A statement forwarded to the NT News a short while ago confirmed the dramatic development.

“The matter has been referred to NT Police and the NT Electoral Commission is unable to provide further comment at this time,” an NTEC spokesman said.

Three candidates, Kon Vatskalis, Amye Un and Vicki Bonson have all lodged complaints with the NTEC in relation to the how to vote cards.

In a further twist candidate Peter Styles said he had made a complaint of his own.

“Given it is an active investigation, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further,” he said.

The NT News revealed earlier this week that the NTEC was investigating claims that fake-how-to-vote cards had been printed without permission on behalf of Lord Mayoral candidates Amye Un and Vicki Bonson.

The fake cards were allegedly printed at NT Officeworks and arrived at polling places the day before the August 23 poll.

Ms Un alleged rival candidate Peter Styles and his wife Linda Fazldeen were behind the cards, a claim Mr Styles denied.

Leah Potter, another Lord Mayoral candidate, acknowledged she had printed the cards, saying the move had been approved by Ms Un and Ms Bonson.

Both candidates have denied they gave permission for the alternate cards to be printed.

In an SMS sent to the NT News, Ms Un alleged Leah Potter had hijacked her and Ms Bonson’s campaign to try and get Peter Styles elected Lord Mayor.

Ms Potter denied this and told the NT News she had been trying to help Ms Un and Ms Bonson.

Ms Un had placed Mr Styles fourth on her how-to-vote card, whereas he was second on the bogus card.

Ms Bonson also told the NT News cards had been printed for her and that this had created uncertainty going into the August 23 City of Darwin election.

With the final poll outcome to be offically declared on Monday Mr Styles currently leads with 6,626 votes ahead of incumbant Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis on 6074.

Ms Un has 983 votes and Ms Bonson has 498 votes.