It could be weeks before British Columbians find out what kind of government they have.
Neither Liberal Leader Christy Clark nor NDP Leader John Horgan had a clear majority Tuesday night, while B.C. Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver made an historic breakthrough with three seats on Vancouver Island.
The closest B.C. election in 65 years had the Liberals and NDP deadlocked with 42 seats each at one point — two short of the 44 needed to form a majority in the expanded 87-seat legislature.
> More election news at timescolonist.com/bcelection
The results constantly changed throughout the evening, leaving the possibility that one party could still have a majority.
If not, the situation could leave Weaver, who was re-elected in Oak Bay-Gordon Head, holding the balance of power in a minority government.
The won and leading seat count early today was 43 for the Liberals, 41 for the NDP and three for the Greens.
Speaking shortly after midnight today, Clark made it clear she plans to try and form government. “We won the popular vote,” she said. “And, we have also won the most seats.
“With absentee ballots still to be counted, I am confident they will strengthen our margin of victory. It is my intention to continue to lead British Columbia’s government.”
Horgan also spoke shortly after midnight and he was not ready to concede. "We have not finished," he told a crowd of supporters in Vancouver. "There are many more votes to count before this election is over,” he said. “A majority of British Columbians voted for a new government and i believe that’s what they deserve."
Weaver told his supporters that it was time to celebrate, not negotiate. “As a party, we have already been clear that are our number one priority is removing the influence of big money from politics," he said in a speech in Victoria.
"In the days ahead there will be plenty of discussions taking place between all parties. Now is not the time for those discussions, now is the time for Greens across North America to celebrate."
He said after his speech that he had called Clark and Horgan to congratulate them and to "start the conversation on the next steps for our province in the days ahead."
With 7,476 of 7,503 ballot boxes counted, the popular vote was 40.84 per cent for the B.C. Liberals, 39.86 per cent for the NDP and 16.75 per cent for the Greens.
Green candidate Adam Olsen took Saanich North and the Islands, beating NDP incumbent Gary Holman, while Sonia Furstenau of the Greens won in Cowichan Valley. “I came in with a lot of confidence … but this is surreal,” Olsen said.
Furstenau, who had yet to speak with Weaver, said she was “speechless” at the prospect of the Greens holding the balance of power in the legislature. “I don’t think I’m even beginning to digest what’s happening,” she said.
Veteran political scientist Norman Ruff cautioned that it could be weeks before the results are known for sure. The final vote count begins May 22.
“In two weeks time, the Lt. Gov. [Judith Guichon] would ask Christy Clark if she thinks she can form a government,” Ruff said. “Christy Clark would begin discussions with Mr. Weaver to see what kind of conditions he lays down. I mean, electoral reform he would probably insist upon for their support … He might even go fishing for a seat in the cabinet.”
University of B.C. political scientist David Moscrop said the possible scenarios include a minority government, in which Greens support one of the other parties, or a coalition, in which Green MLAs are actually part of the cabinet in a government with one of the other parties.
“It’s worth noting that the premier will get the first crack at forming government, whether it’s a minority government or a coalition,” he said. “If she can’t do that then the lieutenant-governor will then ask the NDP to try.”
Moscrop said such governments tend to be short-lived, meaning that British Columbians could be headed back to the polls in the near future.
Clark entered the night hoping for a second straight victory as premier and a fifth consecutive win for the Liberals, who first swept to power in 2001.
Clark, 51, touted the province’s jobs plan and strong economy throughout the 28-day campaign.
But Horgan, 57, managed to cut into the Liberal lead with a strong campaign that promised to restore services and improve affordability for people hurt by higher fees and taxes under the Liberals.
The NDP took down Liberal cabinet ministers Peter Fassbender and Amrik Virk in Surrey, where Horgan spent much of his time during the campaign. Attorney General Suzanne Anton lost her Vancouver seat.
The Liberals are also losing their seat in Courtenay-Comox, where NDP candidate Ronna-Rae Leonard beat Jim Benninger by nine votes.
- - -
Who won on Vancouver Island
Victoria-Beacon Hill, Carole James, NDP
Victoria-Swan Lake, Rob Fleming, NDP
Oak Bay-Gordon Head, Andrew Weaver, Green
Saanich South, Lana Popham, NDP
Saanich North and the Islands, Adam Olsen, Green
Esquimalt-Metchosin, Mitzi Dean, NDP
Langford-Juan de Fuca, John Horgan, NDP
Parksville-Qualicum, Michelle Stilwell, Liberal
Courtenay-Comox, Ronna-Rae Leonard, NDP
Mid Island-Pacific Rim, Scott Fraser, NDP
North Island, Claire Trevena, NDP
Cowichan Valley, Sonia Furstenau, Green
Nanaimo-North Cowichan, Doug Routley, NDP
Nanaimo, Leonard Krog, NDP
