Canadians to Elect New Government on April 28: What to Expect
What to Expect Canada is set to hold a general election on April 28, with 28 million registered voters heading to the polls to elect a new government. This election marks a significant moment in Canadian politics, as voters will be choosing a new government to lead the country for the next four years. The election will see voters electing a 343-member House of Commons, with a party or combination of parties securing at least 172 seats needing to form the government.
The number of constituencies, known as ridings, has increased by five since the last election in 2021. Elections Canada, an independent body responsible for overseeing the voting process, will manage the election. Ballots will be counted manually under supervision, with results being posted on the Elections Canada website roughly 30 minutes after polls close.
The two main contenders for the role of Prime Minister are Mark Carney from the Liberal Party and Pierre Poilievre from the Conservative Party. Carney, who was sworn in as Canada's 24th Prime Minister on March 14 this year, currently holds a slight lead in the polls.
However, the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, has been narrowing the gap in recent days. In the dissolved parliament, the Liberals held 152 seats and governed primarily through a supply-and-confidence agreement with the New Democratic Party, a left-wing progressive group with 24 seats.
The NDP ended the agreement in September. The Conservatives were the official opposition in the last parliament, securing 120 seats. The election is expected to be closely contested, with all major parties campaigning hard to win the support of voters.
The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the direction of the country, with the new government facing a range of challenges, including managing the economy, addressing climate change, and improving healthcare.
As Canadians head to the polls on April 28, they will be tasked with choosing a government that can best address these challenges and deliver for the country. With so much at stake, it is crucial that voters are informed and engaged in the electoral process. Stay tuned for further updates on the election and its outcome.
