One of the things that causes instability in minority governments is that the party with the largest chunk gets tired of the necessary deal-making and calls for an election when they think they have enough support to gain a majority.

The suggestion this morning was made that the Liberals will simply govern without a coalition per se, and attempt to garner sufficient support on a case-by-case basis on the issues that could draw a vote of non-confidence.

Any party that triggers an election call soon is likely to face voter backlash, so pundits were predicting this morning that the current situation could last two or even three years.

ETA: sense. more caffeine needed.

Am so happy that the world did not end. I wish the Liberals or NDP had just one more seat. Ah well, the Bloc is probably as far left as the NDP for social programs anyway.

What I really can't believe is that the voter turnout was lower than last time. People are crazy! What are they telling themselves? "Well, the polls have two parties statistically tied, but I won't vote because it wouldn't make a difference." I call for remedial math classes for the whole damn country.

In other news, my friend is now married. The shower and wedding went really well, but I am now sleep deprived because of all the partying. I should have gone to bed early last night to recuperate, but there was that pesky election.

What was the voter turnout, 'Ouise?

Not Ouise, but I heard the turnout was 60.4%, down from 61.x% last time.

Not Ouise

60% in the US would be tremendous turnout.

Until the last two elections it's traditionally been between 70-80%.

In people under 25 it's about 25%.

In people under 25 it's about 25%.

Ah well, the Bloc is probably as far left as the NDP for social programs anyway.

This is the strangeness of the Bloc - no one really knows what their stand it. It was founded by disenchanged PC members, let by Lucien Bouchard but the current leader seems to be much more social democratic.

It's interesting that in his speech last night, Gilles Duceppe made a point of thanking and praising Bernard Landry, and Jacques Parizeau, while they really downplayed their sovreignist platform through much of the election. Also, Stephen Harper had some line in his speech about how "the West wil be heard." Sure, you're a national party.

Hey megan! how're the folks?