Arabic version: انتخابات المجالس في تسمانيا تمهّد لتغييرات في القيادة

According to ABC News, Tasmania’s council elections are entering their final days with about 55 per cent of ballot papers returned, fewer councillor positions available and several mayors leaving office.

More than 235,000 ballot papers had been returned by Wednesday, the Tasmanian Electoral Commission said. Voting is mandatory, and ballots must be handed directly to a council centre by 2pm on Tuesday, October 27. Tasmania’s electoral commissioner Andrew Hawkey said returned votes were lower than at the same point in 2022. The full failure-to-vote process will apply, including penalties of up to $42.60.

The statewide number of councillors is being reduced from 263 to 213. The five largest councils will move from 12 seats to nine, while all other councils will have seven positions. More than 430 candidates are contesting the 213 available spots.

Several incumbent mayors are not seeking re-election, including Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds, who has accepted a role at the Global Solar Council. Mayors are also stepping aside in Huon Valley, George Town, Latrobe, Meander Valley, Kingborough, Waratah-Wynyard and West Tamar.

Voters cited a range of local priorities, including sporting-club fees in Clarence, Hobart CBD parking, cycling infrastructure and empty shops in Launceston, conservation rezoning in Kingborough, development pressures in Newstead, and footpaths and kerb ramps in Hobart.