A razor-thin margin of just 20 votes between the top two contenders in Mississauga-Erin Mills during Thursday’s provincial election has sparked growing demands for a recount. Progressive Conservative incumbent Sheref Sabawy secured 16,665 votes, narrowly defeating Liberal challenger Qasir Dar, who earned 16,645 votes, in a contest that has left the riding on edge.
Social media is buzzing with speculation about a recount, with some assuming it’s automatic due to the slim gap. However, Ontario’s election rules require specific steps before any recount can proceed. Elections Ontario has not yet finalized the official tally, and only after the Returning Officer declares a winner can the recount process formally begin. If the margin remains under 25 votes, the Returning Officer is obligated to request a judicial review from the Ontario Court of Justice within four days. Alternatively, candidates or voters can petition for a recount if they suspect errors in ballot counting or handling, though a judge must approve any such request.
Should a recount be granted, it must occur within ten days and will involve a painstaking manual review of ballots, bypassing the electronic tabulation used on election night. Qasir Dar’s campaign has not yet confirmed whether they will push for a recount, but the tight 20-vote difference could trigger an automatic request under provincial guidelines. As of now, the outcome in Mississauga-Erin Mills hangs in the balance, awaiting official confirmation and potential legal action.