Liberals Lose P.E.I., But Will It Go Tory Blue or Green?

As widely expected, the Liberal government in P.E.I. has lost power after 12 years in office with Premier Wade MacLauchlan losing his seat.

But it remains to be seen who will form the new government.

Thus far the Tories have won the most seats with 12, but are two short of winning a majority government although this has not prevented the CBC from projecting a minority government for novice Progressive Conservative Party leader Dennis King.

But no so fast. The Green Party under leader Peter Bevan-Baker have won 9 seats. At worst, they become the Official Opposition. But the Liberals are the key here. Despite losing government, they still won six seats and hold the balance of power. Who can say the Liberals won't back the Greens in a minority government?

Complicating matters is that there is one seat left to be decided. Green Party candidate Josh Underhay and his young son were killed in a canoeing accident last Friday. The election in this Charlottetown constituency will be determined in by-election which has yet to be scheduled. When it is scheduled, there is a good chance the Greens will have 10 seats when all is said and done.

If I'm Bevan-Baker I wouldn't be making any concession speeches right now.