Local Government (Elections) Act 1999

At any time within 72 hours after the returning officer has made a provisional declaration, a scrutineer may, by notice in writing lodged with the returning officer, request a recount of the votes cast at the poll and, in the event of a request being made, the returning officer must cause a recount of votes to be made in accordance with the request unless the returning officer considers that there is no prospect that a recount would alter the result of the poll.

The returning officer may, on his or her own initiative, during the period of 72 hours referred to in subsection (1), decide to conduct a recount of any votes cast at the poll.