Nova Scotians have gone to the polls in a contest expected to see a return to power for the Progressive Conservatives, with the NDP and Liberals in a close struggle for second.
Here’s the latest on the race to form the next provincial government between the main three parties: the Progressive Conservatives led by Tim Houston, who is seeking a second term as premier; the Liberals led by Zach Churchill; and the NDP led by Claudia Chender.
Anticipation mounts at the three party headquarters as workers await the first results, which should come in around 9 p.m.
In New Glasgow, N.S., Tyler Cameron, a member of the Progressive Conservative campaign team, says he spent the day making phone calls and knocking on doors, reminding people to get out and vote.
Cameron says the Tories are “feeling good” as they seek a second majority government.
In Halifax, Brandon Rose, an NDP adviser, says the party’s campaign has been “really encouraging.”
Rose says the election has given Nova Scotians the opportunity to get to know Claudia Chender, who ran her first campaign as party leader.
The Liberals are gathered at a hotel in Yarmouth, N.S., the riding of party leader Zach Churchill. The Liberals are in for a fight as they try to retain official Opposition status.
Polls have closed, but a delayed start in voting at a polling station in the Eastern Shore community of Mushaboom means it will remain open until 9 p.m. to compensate for the later start.
Elections Nova Scotia says while the vote count will proceed, results can’t be released until all polls are closed, so there will likely be a rapid flow of early results once the voting tallies are released.
Key contests are expected in the Halifax area where the Tories are looking to make gains in the suburbs, while the Liberals and NDP are also looking to make gains across city ridings where they have been competitive in the past.
At dissolution, the Conservatives held 34 seats in the 55-seat legislature. The Liberals held 14 seats, while the NDP had six and there was one Independent.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024.
