Final Ballot Count Underway in BC Election

Elections BC is set to announce the number of uncounted mail-in and absentee ballots, totaling approximately 65,000, which may clarify the results of last weekend's provincial election. Currently, the NDP leads in 46 ridings while the B.C. Conservatives have 45, with two seats held by the Green Party. Recounts will commence for the Juan de Fuca-Malahat and Surrey City Centre ridings due to narrow margins of fewer than 100 votes separating candidates. The counting of mail-in ballots will occur over the weekend, and any further close results may trigger automatic recounts. The delay in final results is due to the high volume of mail-in ballots and the detailed verification process. Both major parties could potentially strike deals with the Greens, reminiscent of the 2017 agreement that brought the NDP to power.