The petition officer must take reasonable steps to count the signatures as soon as practicable after the end of the signing period, and no later than one day after.
The count
The only people who can attend the counting of signatures is the petition officer and their staff and any representatives of the Electoral Commission or an observer accredited by the Electoral Commission.
Media are not entitled to attend the count.
After the signatures have been counted
As soon as reasonably practicable the petition officer must:
- Determine whether the recall petition is successful or unsuccessful
- Notify the Speaker of the outcome
- Give public notice of the outcome
If at least 10% of the eligible electorate have signed the petition, the petition will be successful. The MP’s seat will become vacant on the date that the petition officer notifies the Speaker of the outcome.