United Australia party leader wanted to stop release of detailed data until all polling booths had closed

Clive Palmer’s attempt to delay the publication of early results on federal election night has been shot down by the high court.

Palmer wanted the detailed data kept quiet until all polling booths had closed, to prevent any effect on locations that had not yet voted.

He was concerned West Australian voters who left their run until the final two hours could be influenced by early figures from the eastern states.

Clive Palmer's candidates required to pay $400,000 if they win seat but leave party Read more

But the full bench of the high court ruled the Australian Electoral Commission does not need to wait for late voters in WA before broadcasting indications in east coast seats.

“The court is unanimous in its view that the application should be dismissed,” Chief Justice Susan Kiefel said on Tuesday.

Palmer’s United Australia party is fielding candidates in all lower-house seats on 18 May.

Last week it emerged that his candidates had been asked to sign contracts that require them to return $400,000 in election support if they win a seat but subsequently leave the party. Two former senators, Jacqui Lambie and Glenn Lazarus, were elected in 2013 as members of the then Palmer United party. Both moved on to set up independent parties.

Palmer has spent an estimated $30m to $50m on election advertising.

The Guardian Essential poll published on 7 May showed support for minor parties combined sits at 28%, with the Greens lifting their support from 9% a week ago to 12%, One Nation on 7% and other independents, including Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party, preferred by 9% of voters.