After hanging by a knife’s edge for the better part of nine days, we know now an NDP majority government will lead the BC legislature for the next four years.
During a count of absentee ballots today (Monday), the New Democrats were able to flip the Surrey-Guildford riding, an area the Conservatives were leading by 102 votes on election night.
With the New Democrats now securing the required 47 seats to form a majority, UNBC Political Science Instructor Jason Morris says based on how the 2024 vote was such a nail biter – this should spur more people to become politically active.
“I hope this election got a lot more people interested in politics and they can consider this one night every four or so years or this can lead to more routine involvement and political life not just voting but also paying attention to more political affairs and keeping up with what is going on in their electoral district.”
He added while a thin majority has been established, the NDP will still need to work with other parties to have an effective third-term.
“A government has to try and represent the views and desires of all citizens when you consider how close the election was. The BC NDP government may have to be careful to not be too hard line and may need to be more pragmatic even with a seat or so to spare.”
Now, the only piece of business left to settle is determining who will be the speaker of the house.
The Speaker is an MLA elected in a secret ballot by all Members of the Legislative Assembly to preside over debates and ensure that the Assembly’s established rules of behaviour and procedure are followed.
That role was previously held by Raj Chouhan, a long-time NDP representative who was re-elected last week for another term – this time serving the newly-formed Burnaby-New Westminster riding.
Whether it’s Chouhan or someone else, the speaker will once again have a crucial role in the Legislature.
“If it were an NDP speaker like it has been in the past, should there ever be a tie, the speaker votes with the government as a convention meaning the majority would be maintained and the confidence of the house secured.”
The Conservatives now sit in opposition with 44 seats secured while BC Greens have just two.
In addition, the 2024 BC Election saw a voter turnout of 57%, up slightly from 2020.
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