B.C. NDP leader John Horgan refuses to concede defeat on election night

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      The B.C. NDP finished second in the seat count, but leader John Horgan told his supporters on election night that the fight is far from over.

      With absentee votes still to be tabulated, and a recount in tightly contested constituencies happening, Horgan said in his speech in the early morning following the May 9 election that nothing has been settled yet.

      Initial count shows B.C. Liberals with 43 seats; New Democrats, 41; and the B.C. Greens, three.

      "British Columbians have waited 16 years for a government that works for them, and we are going to have to ask you to wait a little bit longer until all the votes are counted and the final results of this election are known,” Horgan said inside a hall at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

      While the final results are not yet certain, Horgan said that one thing is clear: "A majority of British Columbians voted for a new government and I believe that’s what they deserve”, generating applause and chants of 'NDP, NDP', from the crowd.

      A total of 87 seats in the legislature were in play, and no party achieved the magic number of 44 to form a majority government.

      With their three seats, B.C. Greens are likely poised to determine which party will govern the province.

      "It's been a long night. It's been a hard fought election campaign," the B.C. NDP leader said.

      According to Horgan, there are still many votes to count “before this election is over”.

      "British Columbians voted today to get big money out of politics," he said to booming cheers. "British Columbians voted today for proportional representation…British Columbians voted for action on climate change, and they voted for an economy that works for everyone."

      Horgan thanked his family, supporters, and candidates, who he said reflect the diversity of the province.

      He also commended B.C. Liberal leader Christy Clark, whose party won the most number of seats, based on the preliminary count, and B.C. Green leader Andrew.

      "I do not regret a moment," Horgan said, noting that he is proud to be a "part of a movement that will mke B.C. better in the days and weeks ahead".

      "Let's hang tight, and let's get back to the party," Horgan told his supporters.

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