Review Launched Into State Election After ‘Missing’ Ballots Emerged Weeks Later

South Australian (SA) Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas has announced a review into the recent state election and the Electoral Commission.

This comes amid concerns over the integrity of the SA election after hundreds of “missing” ballots were discovered a month after the event concluded, triggering recounts in some electorates.

This included the seat of Narungga in regional South Australia, where One Nation candidate Chantelle Thomas was initially declared the winner by a narrow margin. A recount later confirmed her victory.

During a press conference on April 28, Malinauskas said there were issues with the 2026 state election.

“At the recent state election, we saw a number of examples of things going wrong in terms of the logistics associated to the conduct of the election itself,” he said.

While the premier claimed there had been no questions about the integrity of the Electoral Commission or the election results, he acknowledged that “practical failures” had occurred.

“Votes not being counted initially, ballot boxes being found after the fact, longer waiting times than what South Australians are accustomed to when they go to cast their ballot,” he said.

Malinauskas then announced the appointment of former federal Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers to lead an independent review into the matter.

How Will the Review Work?

Malinauskas said it was important that the review remain independent, and as such, it will report to the state parliament rather than the government.

“Mr. Rogers will conduct the review into everything regarding the most recent election and the Electoral Commission itself,” he said.

“You know for most of us, we take elections for granted. We just expect the Electoral Commission  to do its work and do it well. But it is logistically complex.”

The premier also reflected on the Electoral Commission’s performance during the election but did not single out any individuals.

“The Electoral Commission, I think it’s fair to say in this election didn’t cover themselves in glory in terms of the practical functions of the election,” he said.

“The outcome or the integrity of the people involved is beyond question, but there was clearly practical issues that need to be considered and that’s what this review will examine in great detail.”