Former senator Rex Patrick says he has withdrawn a legal challenge contesting the results of the recent Adelaide mayoral election in which he was a candidate.
Mr Patrick was narrowly defeated in the race for Adelaide lord mayor in November but sought to challenge the result, raising concerns with the state's Electoral Commission about allegations of illegal voter activity.
"To make sure that the will of the voters was reflected in the result of the election, a petition was lodged in the Court of Disputed Returns to examine what had happened during the election campaign," he said.
But Mr Patrick said the commission had since provided him with a report on ballot papers which caused concern, and that the document indicated there was little prospect of him successfully challenging the result.
"At 10am this morning, the electoral commissioner provided information relating to … votes that had been set aside as being the subject of illegal practices," he said.
"When those were examined, it weakened my case significantly."
Mr Patrick said he had since spoken to the victorious candidate Jane Lomax-Smith, advising the lord mayor of his decision and wishing her the best during her time in office.
"We can now say confidently that the lord mayoral election was consistent with the will of the people of Adelaide. The matter is now finalised," he said.
But Mr Patrick said the same document that prompted him to withdraw his challenge had strengthened the case of former councillor Alexander Hyde, who ran in the Central Ward but was also narrowly defeated.
Mr Hyde has confirmed he will be continuing his challenge.
"The basis of my court action is that there were many illegally cast votes which were counted, thus affecting the election," he said in a statement.
"Over the coming weeks I look forward to the matter progressing to trial so my legal team can present the substantial evidence we have."
