The outcome of the contentious Bradfield seat in Sydney has finally been resolved, with Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian conceding defeat to independent Nicolette Boele after months of uncertainty. Initially, Kapterian appeared to be the winner by a mere eight votes, but following a recount, Boele claimed victory by a margin of 26 votes.
The NSW Liberal Party had initiated legal proceedings to challenge the validity of a portion of the ballot papers, but Kapterian announced the withdrawal of her court appeal after a thorough review reassured her about the accuracy of the election results. In her statement, Kapterian expressed her satisfaction with the final outcome, recognising the electoral system’s provision for scrutiny in cases of dispute.
Bradfield has historically been a stronghold for the Liberal Party, with no other party winning the seat in its 75 years. The battle for this pivotal seat has been closely watched since the federal election on May 3. Kapterian expressed disappointment at not being able to serve in Parliament but thanked the constituents of Bradfield for the opportunity to engage with them throughout her campaign.
Boele, who previously ran for the seat in the 2022 election without success, marked a significant milestone by securing the seat from the Liberals. She expressed gratitude to Kapterian for her concession and regarded her continued role as the representative for Bradfield as a significant honour. Boele stated her commitment to serving the community with integrity and dedication, highlighting the importance of each individual vote and the robust electoral processes in Australia.
She has already begun addressing over 900 local issues and remains focused on ensuring that her constituents’ voices are heard in Parliament. Boele acknowledged the significance of the recent review process, reinforcing her appreciation for the electoral safeguards in place.
As of now, with 145 days elapsed since the election, Bradfield’s political landscape has shifted significantly, marking a pivotal moment in Australian politics as Boele embarks on her new role as Federal Member of Parliament.