Incumbent NDP candidate Raj Chouhan kept his Burnaby-Edmonds riding, but was disappointed about his party's overall performance in the polls.
The polls as of 10: 20 p.m. last night had 5,115 votes for Chouhan with 50 per cent, 4,036 for Liberal candidate Jeff Kuah, 921 votes for Green party candidate Wyatt Tessari and 111 votes for Excalibur Nick D'Amico.
"We have to accept the people's verdict, whatever that verdict may be. That's what democracy is all about," Chouhan told the Burnaby NOW after the announcement about the Liberals forming government. "Of course it's a big disappointment. We were looking to form government."
Burnaby-Deer Lake NDP incumbent Kathy Corrigan joined Chouhan at his campaign office alongside many supporters - most saying they were surprised at how close the competition was.
Chouhan said this time around he intends to be more vocal on the issues closest to him such as seniors, housing and child poverty - but he'll continue his positive approach in Victoria.
"(We'll) make sure those issues are heard loud and clear," he said.
Chouhan also thanked Kuah, D'Amico and Tessari for running great campaigns.
Over in Vancouver celebrating with the Green Party, Tessari said he was personally happy to see Chouhan take the Edmonds seat because "(Raj) is a good man."
"We're very happy with the results so far," Tessari said. "We got our first MLA. It's very good news."
He said his second choice was the Liberals and he thinks the NDP's lost their chance to form government because "they didn't stand up for what they really stood for." Tessari noted that he intends to run again in the next election.
Kuah did not return the Burnaby NOW's request for comment by press deadline.
- By Stefania Seccia, staff reporter
