Court formally orders supervised recount

 Julie Edge will provide a security for costs

The High Court has formally ordered a supervised recount of ballot papers from the September 2026 House of Keys election in Onchan following an election petition challenging the result.

The order was made today (3 November) following a hearing last week before First Deemster Andrew Corlett.

As part of the agreement between the parties, petitioner Julie Edge will submit an amended petition and provide security for costs.

The court directed that sealed election materials, including ballot papers and associated documentation from the 24 September election, be opened and examined under official supervision.

The recount will take place in a secure room at Douglas Courthouse and will be overseen by court officials to ensure the integrity of the process.

Candidates, counting agents and members of the media will be permitted to observe the recount. 

Following completion of the recount, a report will be prepared detailing the outcome and any findings arising from the review of the ballot papers.

No date has yet been given for the recount to be held.