Ben Moodie may have been ineligible for Fremantle council when he nominated as a candidate in the recent Local Government Election.
Camera IconBen Moodie may have been ineligible for Fremantle council when he nominated as a candidate in the recent Local Government Election. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Residents in Fremantle’s South ward may face by-election if investigation finds candidate Ben Moodie was ineligible

Leah RobertsFremantle Gazette

RESIDENTS in Fremantle’s South ward may be called to vote for a second time after it was found candidate Ben Moodie may have been ineligible to nominate.

The Electoral Commissioner made a complaint about the election result after it found Mr Moodie was not living in the area when he nominated.

Mr Moodie’s 268 votes in last month’s Local Government Elections could now change the final results with only 138 votes separating the top three candidates – Andrew Sullivan (655 votes), Liam Carter (598) and Marija Vujic (517).

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The complaint is currently sitting with the Court of Disputed returns and should Mr Moodie be found ineligible a by-election may be called for the South ward seat in Fremantle in the next 10-14 days.

Fremantle chief executive Philip St John said in a letter to the Electoral Commissioner he appreciated being informed as to the scheduling of the hearing and any other events regarding the issue.

Should a fresh election be he held the administrative cost would be at the expense of the Commission.

South Ward encompasses residents of South Fremantle and part of Beaconsfield.

He was contacted for comment.

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