Saskatchewan '11: A Preview

The province that elected the first social democratic government in North America is also heading to the polls later this year. Saskatchewan has been governed by the Saskatchewan Party since 2007, and is seeking its first re-election bid under the leadership of Premier Wall, while the Official Opposition is led by Dwain Lingenfelter of the New Democratic Party. At this point in time, the election doesn't appear to be that close.

As painful as it is to say this, the Saskatchewan Party looks like it will be able to pull off another victory on November 7th. In fact, it appears the NDP may lose its current number of seats in favour of the governing party. A few MLAs have made it clear they do not intend to stand for re-election this cycle, and it is those incumbents' seats that are most likely to change hands. Everything else should stay in their respective columns.

Polling, while quite sporadic, has the governing party on average 59% support, while the NDP is at 29%, the two of which have traded 8% since the last election. The Liberals are sitting pretty close to their previous results at about 9%, while the Greens have nearly hit the 5% mark.

With that said though, both parties should be congratulated for nominating a large amount of candidates far before the election is held, unlike New Brunswick. The voters' knowing who is carrying the local party banner long before the writs are dropped is essential for the electorate to make an informed decision on election day.

Premier Brad Walls personal popularity is one of the highest in the country, and it is this alone that could easily allow his party to drift to victory in November. Saskatchewan is a good example of the right-wing coalition uniting to defeat the NDP. It is working today, but soon it too will fail in the citizens' quest for good government.