Final results and the effect of by-election legislation.
Final Results
Following the final count conducted yesterday in the constituencies of Kindersley, Melfort and Swift Current, the winning candidates remain unchanged – Ken Francis, Todd Goudy and Everett Hindley. The final results, presented below, include absentee and hospital ballots.
Kindersley – 32.48 percent of registered voters
Melfort – 34.52 percent of registered voters
Swift Current – 42.54 percent of registered voters
Final results are available at http://results.elections.sk.ca/ – you can also find the preliminary results at that link as well.
By-Election Legislation
In the past, I have expressed my concern regarding Saskatchewan’s legislative history of using a “by-election act” to bring leading candidates into the Legislative Assembly as Members before the conclusion of the electoral process. On Monday, March 12, three pieces of legislation, one for each by-election, were introduced and passed, allowing Mr. Francis, Mr. Goudy, and Mr. Hindley to be serve as MLAs. Similar legislation was used about a year ago to allow Mr. Ryan Meili to serve as an MLA before the return to the writ for the Saskatoon Meewasin by-election.
As I have said in the past, I see the value such a move holds for the MLAs themselves and for the functioning of the Legislature, but I have significant concerns regarding the effect it has on the conclusion of the electoral process. The final count, the recount period, and the return of the writ, are all integral components of the electoral process and should not be viewed simply as “red tape” or administrative overhead. I continue to believe that passing such legislation has a negative effect on the overall administration of the election and on the public’s understanding of when an electoral event has concluded. Ultimately, it has a role in diminishing citizen confidence in Saskatchewan’s democratic processes and traditions.
Dr. Michael Boda
Chief Electoral Officer
Province of Saskatchewan