vote-stubOur political science expert says we have an interesting dynamic among voters right now, with 30% plus a handful supporting the Conservatives and the rest split between three other parties.

Professor Hamish Telford says most signs point to a minority government for someone, although who comes out on top could go lots of different ways.

However Telford says despite the split there is still a possibility of someone getting a majority government.

“If that vote split among the people who oppose the government is very very even, the Conservatives could squeek through with a majority on a very low vote total of 35-36% of the vote. On the other hand if the opposition to the government coalesces around one alternative, the NDP or the Liberals, then they could be in for a majority.”

Telford says not having Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the debates held by the national TV consortium could actually make it tougher for viewers trying to make a decision.

“When people are watching the televised debates they’re always trying to compare whether or not the challengers are up to doing the job and would be better than the incumbent so it’s going to be a little awkward for people to assess that.”

Telford says it does the other party leaders a chance in the spotlight and an opportunity to press home criticisms about Stephen Harper’s style without opposition.