Q & A with MN-S
MN-S Election Recounts:
What authority governs the recount process?
The process is governed by the Saskatchewan Métis Elections Act 2007.
When does a recount happen and how is it decided when a recount should take place?
An Application for a recount happens as when the difference between the number of votes in favour of the candidate who received the most votes and any other candidate for the same office is nil or less than 2% of the total number of votes cast for the office, the Chief Electoral Officer shall, without delay, apply to the court for a recount.
What margin is used to determine which offices are subject to recount?
2% In the 2025 Métis Nation – Saskatchewan General Election, there were 5,146 voters, and 2% of that is 103 votes; this margin determined which Executive Offices were subject to a recount. In the 2025 Métis Nation – Saskatchewan General Election, there were 191 voters in Eastern Region 2, and 2% of that is 4 votes; this margin determined ER2 Regional Office was subject to a recount.
How is our recount being handled?
The Chief Electoral Officer requested a judicial recount by applying to the Court of Kings Bench, through independent legal counsel for an automatic judicial recount. The Chief Electoral Officer provided copies of the results and provided a recount process that was agreed to. The Court of Kings Bench set the dates and time of the recounts. The Chief Electoral Officer stressed that recounts were to be conducted as soon as possible.
When will results be announced if a recount is requested?
The Chief Electoral Officer must delay announcing the results until a Judge certifies the recount. The Judicial recount dates set by the Court of Kings Bench are as follows:
- Regional Representative for Eastern Region 2 will take place on Friday, September 5th at 10 a.m. before Justice Wempe;
- The recount for Vice-President will take place on Monday, September 15th at 10 a.m. before Justice Zerr; and
- The recount for Treasurer will take place on Tuesday, September 16th at 10 a.m. before Justice Zerr.
Who conducts the actual recount?
The recount is conducted under the authority of the Chief Electoral Officer in coordination with relevant legal authorities and the affected candidates.
What factors determine the timing of the judicial recount?
- Administrative steps (notices, approvals) that must be completed before a recount begins
- The need for a judge to certify the recount – court capacity and approval
- Any legal challenges or procedural hurdles
How are the affected candidates kept informed about the recount process?
Written notice is provided to candidates affected by a recount – scheduling decisions and other relevant updates are coordinated between the Chief Electoral Officer, the court, and the parties involved (candidates, legal counsel).
Once the judicial recount is complete and the results are announced, when can the candidate take their seat?
Immediately.