Energy is pulsing at the Vancouver Convention Centre as initial election results show the B.C. NDP opening a slim lead over the ruling B.C. Liberals.

As New Democrats overtook Liberals in the projected seat count at 43-42 at past 9 p.m., a glimmer of victory looks apparent.

Chants of 'NDP, NDP' have repeatedly reverberated at the large hall where the party members and their supporters gathered on election night Tuesday (May 9).

Shane Simpson, who has been elected to another term as B.C. NDP representative for Vancouver-Hastings, said the strong performance of his party has been due to the platform it laid out for voters in the May 9 election.

“And I think it would be John Horgan’s performance around the province, engaging people, moving people and presenting the choice clearly,” Simpson told the Georgia Straight, referring to his party leader.

“A number of people have said it was arguably the best campaign we’ve had in 20 years, and I think that’s probably true,” Simpson also said.

Melanie Mark, who won another term as B.C. NDP MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, looked ecstatic.

“We invited people to get on the bus for change,” Mark told the Straight, “and … we rolled out a platform that was strong on really progressive issues…We put our heads together, we put our hearts together and we fought a hard campaign.”

Another early winner of the election was George Heyman, who will be returning to represent Vancouver-Fairview for the New Democrats.

“What delivered a victory, if it happens to the NDP, is a desire for change, people’s frustrations with the lack of affordability and their belief that the government was stale and they want some new ideas,” Heyman told the Straight.