Elections Canada paused the counting of special ballots early Tuesday morning, leaving the final results of the Canadian federal election in question. The Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, was leading in 168 seats, four short of a majority, when the count was suspended. Elections Canada estimated that uncounted votes could affect the outcome in roughly a dozen ridings.
The uncounted votes could determine whether the Liberals achieve a majority government, allowing them to pass legislation without needing support from other parties. A minority government, however, would necessitate collaboration with other parties to maintain power.
Several ridings remained too close to call, including that of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. His Liberal opponent, Bruce Fanjoy, prematurely declared victory on social media.
The delay stems from the counting of special ballots cast by voters away from their riding during the election. Vote counting was scheduled to resume later in the morning.
Canadians won’t know until later Tuesday whether Mark Carney’s Liberals have won a majority or minority mandate from voters.
Elections Canada decided early Tuesday morning to pause the marathon counting of special ballots with a handful of ridings still too close to call.
The Liberals were leading or elected in 168 seats when the counting was paused, four short of a majority. Elections Canada estimated that the uncounted votes could affect the result in about a dozen ridings.
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A majority government would allow the Liberals to pass legislation without the support of other parties. If the final result remains a minority, the Liberals would need help to stay in power.
Special ballots are cast by mail or at Elections Canada offices by voters who are away from their ridings during the election.
The counting was to resume at 9:30 a.m. ET
One of the seats that was too close to call was Pierre Poilievre’s. The Conservative leader was trailing his Liberal rival Bruce Fanjoy, who took to social media to declare victory.
“To all the people of Carleton, as your new member of Parliament, I’ll work to bring us together,” Fanjoy posted. “We are all Canadian.”
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