The leader of the opposition Conservative Party of Canada, Pierre Poiliever, has conceded defeat in yesterday's snap parliamentary election and congratulated Prime Minister Mark Carney, leader of the Liberal Party, on his election victory, news agencies reported, BTA reports.
“I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Mark Carney on leading a minority government“, Poiliever said in an address to his supporters. He added that he intends to remain at the helm of the Conservatives: “It will be an honour for me to continue fighting for you“. The statement was broadcast on major Canadian television channels.
According to the latest data from the National Election Commission, the Liberal Party won 162 of the 343 electoral districts, with 172 seats needed for a full parliamentary majority. This means that the Liberals will remain in power, but will not be able to govern alone - at a time when they need a strong position in the upcoming trade negotiations with US President Donald Trump, analysts note.
The Conservative Party won in 149 districts, and the third political force became the Bloc Quebecois with 23 seats. The New Democratic Party followed with 8 and the Green Party of Canada with 1 seat. The vote counting is still ongoing, but significant changes in the results are not expected.
Canada uses a majoritarian electoral system with single-member districts, in which the candidate with the most votes in each district wins a seat in parliament.