A record number of candidates are running in the province’s upcoming election, according to Elections Saskatchewan.
A total of 268 candidates were registered as of Saturday afternoon at the election body’s nomination deadline. The number is up by 77 from the 2011 Saskatchewan election and 18 higher than the previous record, set in 1982, of 250 candidates.
“An individual placing their name on the ballot is an important act of public participation that deserves our respect,” Michael Boda, Elections Saskatchewan chief electoral officer, said in a media release.
“While only 61 individuals will be elected Members of the Legislative Assembly, the record number of candidates participating in this election is a clear indicator of the health of democracy in our province.”
The Saskatchewan Party, New Democratic Party and Liberal Party all have 61 candidates in the race, while the Green Party has put forward 58 people. The Progressive Conservative Party is running 18 candidates, the Western Independence Party has four candidates on the ballot, and five people are running as independents.
A full list of candidates can be found on Elections Saskatchewan’s site.
Saskatchewan’s election is set for April 4.
