Government 'unable' to comment on recount outcome

Review of election will include how votes were counted 

The government says it is unable to comment on the outcome of a recount of Onchan's election ballots. 

A recount held at Douglas Courthouse resulted in two candidates receiving an additional 180 votes between them. 

The recount was ordered following an election petition from former MHK Julie Edge after alleged irregularities in this year's election and result declaration.

A review of the process is held after every general election, with the government confirming this will also look at how counting is done following reports of different methods being used at different counts across the Island. 

The chief executive of the Isle of Man Government and election returning officer Mark Lewin said: "The supervised recount has identified discrepancies from the figures previously recorded on election day, 24 September 2026. 

"An election petition brought by Julie Edge remains before the court and the legal process is ongoing. It is important that this process is allowed to continue without speculation as to the implications of the supervised recount. 

"Any issues arising from the supervised recount that are relevant to the petition, and any consequences for the election result, are matters for the court to consider and determine.

"While Isle of Man Government is unable to comment specifically on the recount or the petition while this process is ongoing, a full review of all election processes is underway. 

"This is carried out following each general election. The review includes the process for counting votes, feedback from each deputy returning officer, and consideration of whether procedures should be further standardised and whether additional legislative amendments may be needed."

Following questions from readers and listeners, Manx Radio asked the government if it had faith in the integrity of the other 11 results from this year's general election, particularly as a swing of 100 votes, as happened in Onchan, towards some candidates in other constituencies could have resulted in different people being elected. 

We also asked if a full recount of all constituencies was being considered. 

However Mr Lewin and the Cabinet Office did not directly reply to those questions.