The official results of the Manitoba byelection have been released, revealing that the NDP has emerged victorious over the Tories by a margin of more than 600 votes. The closely watched race, which took place in the constituency of St. Boniface, has been a topic of much discussion and speculation in the political sphere.
According to Elections Manitoba, the NDP candidate, Blandine Tona, received a total of 2,965 votes, while the Conservative candidate, Mamadou Ka, received 2,357 votes. This gives the NDP a clear lead of 608 votes, solidifying their win in the byelection.
The byelection was called after the resignation of former NDP MLA Greg Selinger, who had held the seat for over two decades. This left the door open for a new representative to be chosen by the constituents of St. Boniface.
The NDP’s victory in this byelection is seen as a significant win for the party, as it marks their first electoral victory since the provincial election in 2019. It also serves as a boost for the party’s leader, Wab Kinew, who has faced criticism and challenges within his own party in recent months.
On the other hand, the Conservatives have expressed disappointment in the results, with Ka stating that he is “disappointed but not discouraged” and that he will continue to work hard for the people of St. Boniface.
The byelection results also saw a significant increase in voter turnout, with 6,322 ballots cast compared to 4,800 in the 2019 provincial election. This could be attributed to the heightened interest and attention surrounding this particular race.
The official results of the Manitoba byelection serve as a reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the power of the democratic process. It also sets the stage for the upcoming provincial election in 2023, where the NDP will look to maintain their hold on the St. Boniface constituency.
In the end, the people of St. Boniface have spoken, and the NDP has emerged as the victor in this closely contested byelection. It remains to be seen how this will impact the political landscape in Manitoba, but one thing is for sure – the results have certainly made a statement.