ORC seat hanging in balance

Former National MP and Wanganui mayor Michael Laws was last night within 21 votes of gaining a seat on the Otago Regional Council.

Mr Laws was yesterday behind Gary Kelliher in the Dunstan constituency, but closing fast.

Deputy electoral officer Sandy Graham said  more than 100 special votes were still to be counted.

Earlier yesterday, Mr Laws appeared to have lost by 79.

At that point the Cromwell resident said he was delighted to have "pushed three popular incumbents so close".

That number was whittled to 21 by day’s end.

Ms Graham said the validating of special votes might not be completed until Thursday.