After a vote recount in several polling stations in the City of Brussels, MR has lost a seat to Ecolo, who will now hold seven seats, according to the electoral results validated by the jurisdictional college on Friday.
This body, which annulled the elections in Saint-Josse on Tuesday, was still required to rule on the validation of results in the other 18 Brussels municipalities.
It approved the results in all these municipalities but noted a slight change in seat distribution for the City of Brussels following a recount in six polling stations. Discrepancies were found between the number of recorded voters and the votes cast, explained the secretary of the jurisdictional college after the meeting.
After the recount, the joint green list Ecolo/Groen gained a seventh seat by a margin of three votes. The seat will go to former co-leader Rajae Maouane.
If no appeal is lodged with the Council of State or an appellate confirmation, the change will not impact the formation of the future majority coalition of PS/Vooruit-MR+-Engagés, stated PS mayor Philippe Close.
David Weytsman, head of the MR+ list, expressed his surprise at the decision to recount only a few polling stations. He indicated that MR+ was thoroughly analysing the situation and reserved "all rights to ensure the respect of democratic principles."
