Date set for Onchan recount

Julie Edge has raised questions about the integrity of the count

The recount of Onchan's ballots from this year's general election will be held on Tuesday next week (10 November). 

Former MHK Julie Edge petitioned the courts after alleged issues including a discrepancy in the number of votes cast and recorded. 

Ms Edge claims 79 ballot papers were unaccounted for, candidates didn't have sufficient opportunity to request a recount, and that postal votes were opened without proper notice. 

Held in Douglas Courthouse from 9:30am on Tuesday 10 November, the count will be run by Deputy Returning Officer Jeremy Callin under the chief registrar's supervision.

Ms Edge and her fellow candidates, as well as their counting agents and members of the media will be permitted to observe the recount. 

When he opened the court proceedings, First Deemster Andrew Corlett said it was an 'unprecedented situation' for a Manx election. 

Deemster Corlett said the presence of the media would be a 'good idea' as it 'puts away any doubt that the system is transparent'.

Ms Edge is required to pay a £500 security payment by 4pm tomorrow (5 November) for the recount to take place. 

Dr Rachel Glover and Rob Callister were elected to serve for the next five years.