Strict new regulations governing candidate nominations, polling-day conduct, and vote counting have been introduced with the Electoral (Local Government Elections) Regulations 2025, significantly reinforcing the procedures for municipal elections.
Under these updated rules, all candidates, whether independent or affiliated with a political party, are required to meet the eligibility criteria set forth by the Local Government Act of 1972. Nominations must be submitted using approved forms, which must include comprehensive personal details, voter numbers, a recent photograph, and a signed declaration affirming eligibility and exclusivity.
Candidates are strictly prohibited from contesting multiple wards or being nominated by more than one political party. Additional requirements for independent candidates include a $200 nomination fee and a statement of demonstrated support from at least eight registered voters in the respective ward. Political parties, in turn, must also submit ward-based party lists and pay a $200 deposit for each candidate.
Once the nomination period concludes, the Supervisor of Elections is mandated to publish all accepted nominations within two days. Registered voters retain the right to contest nominations within three days, while candidates who are rejected may appeal to the Electoral Commission. Importantly, all reviews must be resolved within three days, with the decisions made by the Commission being final.
On polling day, voting is required to be conducted via secret ballot, with polling stations opening at 8:30 AM and remaining accessible until all voters in line by 4 PM have cast their votes. Furthermore, campaigning is strictly prohibited within a 100-metre radius of polling locations during voting hours. This includes the display of party symbols, the distribution of campaign literature, or any inducements to voters.
The new regulations also accommodate early voting in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and detention facilities, where approved. All ballot papers must incorporate security features, be maintained under stringent custody, and sealed in numbered ballot boxes.
Vote counting will commence immediately after the polls close, with results being documented in official protocols and made publicly available. These regulations aim to enhance electoral integrity, deter malpractice, and cultivate public trust in the outcomes of local government elections. The implementation of these strict rules is expected to promote a fairer and more transparent electoral process, fostering greater confidence within the community toward local governance.