Counting has commenced for Victoria’s council elections, but the VEC is not publishing live updates.
To get a sense of how various contests are shaping up, we must rely on media reports based on information from scrutineers inside the counting centres.
The Age has launched its appropriately named “Slow Blog” in recognition of the fact that no official results are expected to be announced before 7th November.
The latest blog entries report on how the Melbourne Lord Mayor contest is shaping up.
Preferences are expected to determine the final result, with insiders tipping a potential win for Anthony Koutafides over incumbent Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece.
It looks like a mixed bag for incumbent Port Phillip councillors based on first preference count reports.
Former mayor Louise Crawford has recorded a strong primary vote, while Tim Baxter and Robbie Nyaguy have not done as well.
Reports have come in from only three of nine wards in Port Phillip so far.
The Herald Sun reported last night on a drop of support for incumbent Yarra councillor, Edward Crossland, the city’s most recent mayor.
It suggests Mr Crossland’s first preference numbers, showing him with a slender lead over his main competitor, are indicative of a fall in overall support for the Greens party which won five seats on the Council at the last elections.
The VEC expects all official results to be declared by 15th November.