2026 Mulka by-election - Early declaration of the elected candidate

The Northern Territory Electoral Commission (NTEC) has declared Yiwarr McGrath as elected for the Division of Mulka By-election under section 129 of the Electoral Act 2004.

A check count (fresh scrutiny) of all ballot papers counted on election night was conducted at 10:00 am on Monday, 14 September. Following the scrutiny, Mr McGrath received a total of 1,871 first preference votes.

Mr McGrath currently leads candidate Andrew Blamey by 1,330 votes. As the number of outstanding postal and declaration votes is insufficient to affect the result, the NTEC has made an early declaration of the elected candidate in accordance with section 129 of the Electoral Act 2004. 

As at 14 September:

• 40 postal votes have been returned and will be admitted to the count
• 17 returned postal votes have been rejected where the elector voted in person
• 69 postal votes remain outstanding and may still be returned before the prescribed deadline
• 58 declaration votes are awaiting verification and may be admitted to the count.

The declaration of results for the 2026 Division of Mulka By-election will be conducted following the completion of the count period, at the NTEC Darwin office at 10am on Monday, 28 September 2026.

The results for the 2026 Division of Mulka By-election are available on the NT Electoral Commission website NT Electoral Commission website.