A record 7.3 million Canadians voted early in the lead-up to the 28 April elections, according to official figures released on Tuesday after the four-day early voting period concluded.
The number of early votes increased by 25% compared to the September 2021 elections, Elections Canada, the independent body overseeing the elections, reported.
Current Prime Minister Mark Carney, leader of the Liberal Party, is the favourite to win, but some polls indicate the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, is gaining ground.
These elections occur amidst a trade war with the United States and US President Donald Trump’s annexation plans. The campaign, dominated by the two major parties, appears to have mobilised voters, as evidenced by two debates last week that attracted exceptionally high viewership.
Canada, with a population of 41 million, has approximately 28.9 million eligible voters. Carney, leading a minority government, called early elections in hopes of securing a majority government for the Liberals.
