A razor-thin race in Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial election may not be over yet. Derek Bennett, the Liberal candidate for Lewisporte–Twillingate, has officially filed for a judicial recount after losing to Progressive Conservative Mark Butt by just 18 votes in last week’s election.
Bennett confirmed Friday that he submitted his application to the province’s Supreme Court, saying that the narrow result “deserves a thorough review.” He also cited concerns about an hours-long power outage that affected parts of his district on election day, suggesting it may have impacted voter turnout.
Under Newfoundland and Labrador’s election laws, automatic recounts are triggered only when the margin of victory is 10 votes or fewer, but candidates or voters may request a review in closer contests.
The Progressive Conservatives emerged from the October 14 vote with 21 of 40 seats, giving them a slim majority government. The Liberals captured 15 seats, marking a significant shift in the province’s political balance.
As officials prepare for the recount, attention in Newfoundland and Labrador remains fixed on whether the final tally could alter the makeup of Premier-designate Tony Wakeham’s new government.