What is going to happen to Alberta’s political landscape this
election? The Progressive Conservatives stand only to lose this election, while
every other party has an opportunity to make significant gains. Some
projections predict the Wildrose party will unseat the conservatives this
election. The polls place the Wildrose support as high as 37.3 percent with the
conservatives trailing by less 4 points with 33.7 percent.
Will a new
conservative dynasty be established in Alberta, or will Alberta become a two
party province. Will the era of majorities end? Even if the right holds it
control Alberta, at least there is a chance to see some great political debate
between the PC’s and the Wildrose.
However, there is another possibility. With votes on the
right split, the left has chance to capitalize this election and make some
significant gains. The New Democrats are running in all ridings. Will the
orange wave hit Alberta? Linda Duncan put an orange stain on Steven Harper’s attempt
to paint this province blue. However, if the provincial NDP want to win they
will need to mobilize younger demographics, which is a major of the political challenge
not just in Canada, but any Western democracy.
Though both the Liberals and Alberta party may not be running
candidates in all ridings, they have the opportunity to become major players in
Alberta politics by potentially working with the NDP on many issues. However, I
think the Alberta party has a lot of potential to shape politics in this
province. If a conservative minority is formed they, either Wildrose or PC, will
most likely not want work with each other, the NDP, or the Liberals. The
Alberta Party might be the only support a minority government could work with
to stave off another election.
Every party needs every vote they can get. So your vote matters
more now than in any other time in Alberta.
The next posts will discuss policy and platforms of the
Parties running.
