Darwin’s outgoing Lord Mayor, Kon Vatskalis, has refused to accept the outcome of the 2025 local government election, alleging electoral fraud and calling for accountability as investigations continue.

On Sunday, Vatskalis released a lengthy statement criticising newly elected Lord Mayor Peter Styles, who secured victory on preferences after just a 600-vote difference in primary counts.

“Let me make it clear, the people have voted but under the current circumstances I will not accept the result as real and/or fair when an electoral fraud, in my opinion, has been committed and for which I have lodged a formal complaint with the NTEC,” Vatskalis said.

He alleged Styles’ campaign team was linked to fake how-to-vote cards that were widely circulated during the election, prompting formal complaints to the Northern Territory Electoral Commission (NTEC), the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) and the NT Police.

“This is not something I am doing for myself,” he added, “but to make sure that people who manipulate maliciously the democratic process to their benefit should be held accountable, sending a message to potential fraudsters.”

Vatskalis also criticised Styles’ record as a minister in the former Giles government, citing his role in the sale of TIO and the leasing of the Port of Darwin, claiming: “Looks like he has not changed much, after all you cannot teach an old dog new tricks.”

From concession to confrontation

The statement came less than 24 hours after Vatskalis appeared to concede defeat, telling media on Saturday that “we have to accept the results” while refraining from commenting on ongoing police investigations.

The reversal reignited tensions around the election, with several candidates, including Amye Un and Vicki Bonson, also filing complaints about the fake how-to-vote cards.

Vatskalis said he would have congratulated other candidates such as Julia Fraser if they had won, but “not Styles.” He insisted he will wait for the results of the police and NTEC inquiries before recognising the outcome.

Styles responds

When contacted by NT News on Sunday, Styles declined to engage in what he described as a “public spat,” instead saying his focus was on fulfilling his duties as Lord Mayor.

“The first thing is thanking the people who voted me in, then my family and my campaign team. And then get on with the job of being Mayor,” Styles said.

He listed his priorities as strengthening community consultation, expanding bicycle paths, and improving lighting in parks so young people can play sport at night.

“It’s with the authorities, they’ll investigate it and given that we’ve got nothing to do with it I’ve got nothing to fear,” he added.

Both Vatskalis and Styles have now lodged complaints with the NTEC, leaving the matter in the hands of investigators.