Alison Redford holds on to power with majority win
Posted Apr 24, 2012 06:48:35 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
EDMONTON – The Progressive Conservatives have been given a 12th consecutive majority by Alberta voters after an intense election campaign that saw another right-wing party push the dynasty to the brink.
The leaders of the two big contending parties have both been elected but it was no picnic for Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith.
She has captured her Highwood riding with just over 50 per cent of the vote.
Premier Alison Redford romped to victory in Calgary-Elbow and NDP leader Brian Mason also easily held his Edmonton riding.
Liberal leader Raj Sherman won a tight race in Edmonton Meadowlark.
Leaders of the New Democrats, Liberals and the Alberta party urged their supporters not to take part in strategic voting but those pleas may have fallen on deaf ears.
It would appear many voters, Liberals especially, decided to switch their allegiance to the ruling Conservatives in an effort to prevent the Wildrose, a party further to the right, from taking control.
The Grits had 26 per cent of the popular vote in the 2008 election, compared to 10 per cent Monday.
