Derek Bennett was elected the Speaker of the House. Photo by Telegram file photoArticle contentIt appears the 2025 NL provincial election is not quite over yet.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentFormer Lewisporte-Twillingate MHA Derek Bennett officially announced his intention to seek a recount of the votes in his riding after the Oct. 14 election, after informing the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador of his intention on Friday, Oct. 24.Article contentArticle contentProgressive Conservative candidate Mark Butt defeated the longtime politician by a mere 18 votes once ballots had been counted earlier this month. Butt finished with 2,570 votes while Bennett received 2,552.Article contentArticle content“This decision was not taken lightly. It reflects a responsibility to ensure that every eligible vote cast is properly accounted for,” Bennett wrote in a social media statement on Oct. 24.Article content“The narrow margin of the result and the extraordinary circumstances experienced on election day merit this careful and thorough review.”Article contentWhat are the rules?Article contentWhile Bennett requested his recount, which was his right under Section 165 of the Elections Act, it remains to be seen if the recount proceeds.Article contentAccording to the act, candidates have 10 days following the release of the official results to request a judicial recount. After a request has been made, the court will review the application and determine if there will be a recount.Article content“If a recount is ordered, the time and place is then set by the judge,” wrote a spokesperson for Elections Newfoundland and Labrador in a prepared statement.Article contentArticle content“Elections NL will continue to respect the judicial recount process, which is outlined in the provincial Elections Act, and helps ensure a fair and democratic process.”Article contentArticle contentWhat could it mean?Article contentShould a recount happen in the Lewisporte-Twillingate district, it could have larger implications in the next provincial government.
NL election isn’t quite over yet as recount requested in Lewisporte-Twillingate
