2026 Nightcliff By-election: counting finished for the night

Counting in the Nightcliff By-election has finished for the night.

The results following the initial count of first preference votes (in ballot paper order) are as follows:

• Ed Smelt (ALP NT Branch): 1051 votes
• Suki Dorras-Walker (NT Greens): 1220 votes
• Anjan Paudel (CLP NT): 738 votes
• Phil Scott (Independent): 629 votes

Votes issued today and during the early voting period were counted this evening with returned and admitted postal votes also counted.

262 postal votes remain outstanding to be returned over the next 13 days. The deadline for receipt of postal votes is 12pm on Friday 20 March.

77 declaration votes have been issued and following a verification process may be admitted to the count.

A re-check of all ballot papers counted tonight will commence on Monday 9 March.

The 13 day count period has now commenced. The official declaration of by-election results will take place at 10am on Monday 23 March.

View the progressive tally for the by-election.

Additional information

Find out about the 2026 Nightcliff By-election, or call 1800 698 683.