Liberals hang on for minority government in Canada

[Sayhey]

The Liberal Party, led by Paul Martin, held on to maintain its lead as the largest party in Canada, but will have to form a coalition, probably with the New Democratic Party (NDP), in order to hold on to power.


Election results (http://enr.elections.ca/National_e.aspx)

[skunk]

The Liberal Party, led by Paul Martin, held on to maintain its lead as the largest party in Canada, but will have to form a coalition, probably with the New Democratic Party (NDP), in order to hold on to power.
If you're familiar with the Canadian political scene, which I'm not, could you say what difference this is likely to make? What IS the NDP?

[Sayhey]

If you're familiar with the Canadian political scene, which I'm not, could you say what difference this is likely to make? What IS the NDP?

As an outsider, I'll give you what little I know. The NDP (http://www.ndp.ca/) is a left, democratic socialist party. The likely effect of the election will be to force the Liberals to look to their left for a coalition and move them further away from support of US politics (aka support of Bush/Blair.) The sticking point maybe the left's historical insistence on proportional representation. There may be a new election in the near future if the issue can't be worked out.

[skunk]

As an outsider, I'll give you what little I know.
Now I feel right in the loop. Thanks. :)

[Durandal7]

The gains by Bloc Québécois could make things interesting.

[screener]

Being Canadian I'll give you my spin. The NDP are as close to Socialism without actually being Socialist. The Liberals are middle of the road, sometimes, when it suits them. They can go either way. The Conservatives are out to lunch. All in all, politics are boring up here.
By the way, Martin thinks Bush is doing a bang up job.
Like I said, Liberals can go either way, when it suits them.