The final vote count has been completed nearly a week after polls closed and preliminary results kept candidates, pundits and the public on the edge of their seats.
Following the inclusion of mail-in and absentee ballots in the final tally, the BC NDP now holds 47 seats, while the Conservative Party of B.C. holds 44 seats and the B.C. Green Party hold two seats.
Whether the BC NDP will govern as a majority or minority remains unclear, however, leader David Eby says he is prepared to continue serving as Premier after speaking with Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin on Monday, Oct. 28.
"After a close and hard-fought campaign, it's now time to come together to deliver for people," said Eby, in a statement after the meeting. "Today, I met with Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin. She has asked me to form the next government. We will, and we will work hard every day to earn the trust you have placed in us."
John Rustad, the leader of the Conservative Party of B.C., said he accepted the results of the election and is ready to get to work as the Official Opposition.
"BC’s Conservative Caucus is committed to holding government accountable and advocating for policies that reflect the best interests of all British Columbians," said Rustad. "Together, we will work tirelessly to ensure that your voices are heard and that we build a stronger future for all of B.C."
Despite losing her bid for Victoria-Beacon, BC Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau has pledged to remain at the party's forefront.
“This outcome follows a very negative, polarizing election," said Furstenau, in a statement. "It’s clear that British Columbians are demanding better outcomes from their government, and our focus is on ensuring effective services and a higher quality of life for people. Government works best when MLAs collaborate and prioritize their constituents over party interests to deliver those outcomes.”
In Kootenay-Rockies, Elections B.C. estimated there were approximately 300 certification envelopes that didn't affect the preliminary results.
The final tally — Pete Davis (Conservative Party of B.C.) with 8,216 votes; Tom Shypitka (Independent) with 5,844 votes; Sam Atwal (BC NDP) with 4,184 votes; and Kerri Wall (BC Green Party) with 996 votes.
All told, 19,240 ballots were cast.
Up in Columbia River - Revelstoke, the race was a bit tighter, but the preliminary results from election night still stand with approximately 850 certification envelopes to count.
The final tally — Scott McInnis (Conservative Party of B.C.) with 8,768 votes, Andrea Dunlop (BC NDP) with 8,097 votes, Calvin Beauchesne (BC Green Party) with 1,430 votes.
All told, 18,295 ballots were cast.
With files from Wolf Depner/Black Press Media