It’s still unofficial, but insiders are buzzing that a painstaking recount has cemented Progressive Conservative Sheref Sabawy’s razor-thin win in the Mississauga-Erin Mills riding from the recent Ontario election.
The margin? A heart-stopping 20 votes.
When the initial count wrapped up on February 27, Sabawy edged out Liberal contender Qasir Dar with 16,665 votes to Dar’s 16,645. Ontario election rules kicked in—any victory under 25 votes triggers a mandatory recount request to a judge. The court gave the green light, and the ballots were tallied again on Monday.
Sources say the recount stayed tight but didn’t flip the script—Sabawy’s lead held firm. Elections Ontario oversaw the process, with every ballot scrutinized under the watchful eyes of party reps and scrutineers.
Still, the final whistle hasn’t blown. Elections Ontario isn’t calling it yet, noting that a judge must certify the recount unless an appeal pops up within 48 hours of Monday’s tally. If all clears, the returning officer will crown the winner later this week—likely Sabawy, if the whispers are right.
Sabawy, a fixture as the riding’s MPP since 2018, brings a hefty resume: he served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport (2019-2023) and later to the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery (2023-2024). He’s also a key player on the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy.
For now, Mississauga-Erin Mills holds its breath as the official word looms. Stay tuned.