British Columbia snap election leaves both main parties unprepared

British Columbia voters will cast ballots on Saturday, Oct. 24, in a snap provincial election called by Premier David Eby on Sept. 22. Eby cited the existential threat posed by U.S. President Donald Trump as the reason for calling the vote barely two years after the last provincial election.

Political watchers say the campaign is unlike any other because neither main party appears prepared. Hamish Telford, an associate professor of political science at the University of the Fraser Valley, said he noticed a lack of preparation, especially surprising since the NDP called the election.

“This was an election of their making, and they are not entirely ready for it.”

The NDP initially expected to face Kerry-Lynne Findlay as Conservative leader, but she resigned days before the election was called and was replaced on an interim basis by Lorne Doerkson. Eby proceeded with the snap election anyway.

Doerkson has gone without media availabilities on several days, including Tuesday and Wednesday in the final stretch. Hundreds attended an NDP event with David Eby in Surrey on Wednesday, the same city where Doerkson has a rally scheduled for Thursday.

The NDP has shifted its messaging from Donald Trump to affordability and the need for a stable majority. Campaigning has been relatively muted, with few large-scale rallies, and the NDP campaign bus now appears as an anonymous coach without slogans.

Angelo Isidorou, chief strategist for the Conservatives, said snap elections can be messy compared with fixed-date polls. He noted this vote is unique because it coincides with municipal elections, which never happens.