Liberals Say Merasty Official Winner Of Vote
Friday, January 27, 2006 at 15:55
Election officials have apparently verified the election of Gary Merasty as Member of Parliament for Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River.
The news was announced yesterday by Liberal official Doug Richardson at a news conference in Prince Albert, after the Liberals were reportedly advised of the outcome by election officials.
The news was met with a loud cheer by roughly 50 chiefs, band members and other spectators who had assembled in a show of support.
An Elections Canada spokesperson says the various parties can say what they want, but a candidate’s election win is not considered validated until it’s posted on Elections Canada’s official website. That’s when a four-day window will open for Harrison to seek a judicial recount.
Merasty said yesterday he is open to any measures Elections Canada feels are warranted to confirm the news of his election victory, even a recount.
Defeated Conservative MP Jeremy Harrison called for the move after allegations surfaced of ballot box stuffing on some reserves.
Meanwhile, sources say Merasty’s margin of victory is now reportedly in the range of 56 to 71 votes, not the 106 initially reported.
Elections officials are expected to officially post the new vote totals today after reviewing paperwork yesterday from the riding’s various polling stations.