UCP asks for judicial recounts in two close Calgary ridings
Posted Jun 16, 2023 1:18 pm.
Last Updated Jun 16, 2023 7:41 pm.
The United Conservative Party isn’t conceding the two seats lost by slim margins to the NDP in last month’s provincial election just yet — filing for judicial recounts on the last day allowed by Elections Alberta: Friday.
“In light of the close election results in Calgary-Acadia and Calgary-Glenmore, the United Conservative Party candidates in those electoral districts have filed for judicial recounts,” the party said in a statement to CityNews. “This action, taken with full respect for the electoral process, reinforces our firm commitment to complete transparency.”
“It enables a thorough examination, especially of the yet-to-be-reviewed advance polling ballots, to ensure intention of each eligible vote is accurately accounted for. We look forward to the process unfolding in a transparent manner, underscoring the importance of accuracy and integrity in our electoral system.”
Official recounts were left to take place in the 10 days following the vote, after two Calgary ridings were called with a difference of 100 votes or less.
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Calgary-Acadia ultimately went to the New Democratic Party’s Diana Batten over incumbent UCP minister Tyler Shandro by a mere 25 votes, though initial reports immediately following the election had the margin as close as seven.
Calgary-Glenmore, the other riding subject to an automatic recount because of the small number between winner and runner-up, was also awarded to the NDP following the recount, as it was on Election Night.
Nagwan Al-Guneid overtook incumbent UCP minister Whitney Issik by a margin of 42, initially reported as 30 votes immediately after the vote.
Judicial recounts, which require that all ballots, including advance polling, are recounted in front of a judge, must occur 10 days after requested by the candidate.
In an automatic recount, only Election Day ballots are counted.
-With files from Mark Strashok and Hana Mae Nassar
