The last ballot papers will be counted in the Sunshine Coast seat of today, but a winner is unlikely to be declared.
Businessman Clive Palmer leads Liberal National Party candidate Ted O’Brien by 111 votes, with about 450 votes to be counted this morning.
The Australian Electoral Commission will conduct an automatic recount if the margin is less than 100 votes.
Mr Palmer has strongly criticised the AEC, signalling possible legal action, called for a fresh election and a review of the entire voting system.
Returning officer David McKenzie says it still unclear who would win the seat.
He says interest in a result from parties, candidates and the media had complicated counting.
“Just managing all those expectations and dealing with the processes involved, it’s been a very challenging environment,” he said.
The Sunshine Coast-based seat had been held by retiring LNP member Alex Somlyay.
