Current serving councillor Tony Williams is leading the Rockhampton Mayoral By Election, with 80 per cent of the vote now counted in the unofficial preliminary count.
More than forty three thousand central Queensland constituents voted in this years Rockhampton By Election, which was triggered after former Mayor Margaret Strehlow resigned in November last year.
Out of 17 candidates, Cr Williams edged out in front as preferred mayor with 24.88 per cent or 10,810 votes, with fellow contender Russel Claus following behind with 15.53 per cent, or 6,748 votes.
Last year's controversial mayoral candidate Chris 'Pineapple' Hooper has attracted 12.30 per cent or 5,346 votes so far.
Cr Williams ran for the position of councillor 16 years ago after working at the Lakes Creek meatworks for 20 years, stating it was a big decision to run for mayor.
"I have always had a passion for working with people, lending a hand to anyone who needs it and working to find solutions," Cr Williams said.
"I've learned that it can be difficult at times giving answers that people don't want to hear. But at the end of the day, you will receive an honest, informed response from me and that's what the community has come to expect when dealing with me (or so I've been told)."
If Cr Williams wins the mayoral candidacy, it is more likely another By Election will be held to fill his poistion of Division 3 Councillor.
Over twelve thousand Townsville Division 10 voters were sent to the polls on Saturday as well, following councillor Les Walker's appointment as the state member for Mundingburra.
With 65.42 per cent of ballot papers counted, a wood stock grazier who came runner-up for a seat on Townsville City Council last year is tipped to win.
Fran O'Callaghan is leading out of the five candidates contesting the seat, receiving 42.53 per cent or 3,405 votes so far in the unofficial Preliminary Count.
Leading behind Ms O'Callaghan is Scott McElligott, Team Jenny Hill, who is trailing behind with 30.46 per cent or 2,439 votes so far.
In a statement posted to social media, Ms O'Callaghan claimed victory and thanked her supporters.
"I received a phone call from the Mayor of Townsville, Jenny Hill, to congratulate me on my win in the Division 10 by-election," Ms O'Callaghan said.
"A big thanks and congratulations to everybody who helped make this happen."
The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) is yet to confirm Ms O'Callaghan's win.
ECQ Commissioner Pat Vidgen said the preliminary count on election night for both by-elections included all votes on hand.
"This includes early votes, postal votes received to date, telephone votes and election day votes," Mr Vidgen said.
"The results of this first, unofficial count will be uploaded to the ECQ website as soon as they have been verified."
Mr Vidgen said the official count begins on Sunday when all votes are recounted.
"The official count involves recounting votes already counted on election night, with a distribution of preferences following.
"As is usual practice candidates' registered scrutineers can attend the count both on election night in the days following.
The ECQ understands determining the outcome of the Rockhampton mayoral by-election may take some time with 17 candidates contesting the role.
"Some electors may have chosen to preference all 17 of the candidates on their ballot paper, meaning the count could take some time to finalise," he said.
"A final declaration is only made when the outcome is mathematically certain and this may not be possible until after the deadline for the return of postal votes on Tuesday 2 February."
- To view the election results for the Rockhampton and Townsville By Election visit the ECQ Website: https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/