Cromwell Community Board voting closed yesterday and preliminary results had Wally Sanford ahead of the field with 390 votes, 74 ahead of the second runner Sian Simpson.
At the local body election in October only four candidates stood for the community board, equalling the number of seats available and removing the need for Cromwell residents to vote for their community representatives.
However, Sarah Browne’s election to the Central Otago District Council left her community board spot vacant and triggered a by-election.
With special votes and those lodged yesterday yet to be counted, figures showed just 27.4% of eligible voters had exercised their democratic right.
Mr Sanford said the voter turnout was poor and it was interesting to see the vote so split.
"I’m happy to claim the [pending] result since I did actually run a campaign and it wasn’t always sugar-coated. I really think the community board needs my voice around the table so I’m looking forward to my first meeting in March."
Cromwell board chairwoman Anna Harrison said even though the results were preliminary, history showed they were unlikely to change.
Seven people had stood for election and that made the low voter turnout particularly disappointing, she said.
"It shows although you get a sense people want us to get on with the job when it comes down to it they’re not particularly engaged."
Mayor Tim Cadogan said he congratulated all the candidates for putting up their hands. He especially congratulated Mr Sanford.
"I’m looking forward to seeing what he will do on the board."
The low voter turnout was a concern and a mystery, Mr Cadogan said.
It was happening across the country and could not continue.
"You can’t take democracy for granted."
