OTTAWA: More than fifty candidates of Pakistani origins are contesting the 2025 federal election in Canada, showcasing the growing influence of the Pakistani community in Canadian politics.
Notable candidates include Salma Zahid from Toronto, Iqra Khalid from Mississauga, Shafqat Ali from Brampton, Yasir Naqvi from Ottawa, and Sameer Zuberi from Montreal, all representing the Liberal Party.
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Their candidacies reflect a broader trend of increasing diversity within Canadian political representation.
2025 Federal Election in Canada
As millions of Canadians headed to the polls on Monday, the election was characterised by discussions surrounding economic issues, particularly in light of the United States (US) President, Donald Trump, threatening heavy tariffs and his controversial suggestion to make Canada the 51st US state.
The election in Canada was called by Prime Minister Mark Carney shortly after he took over leadership from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in March.
In the lead-up to the election, the political landscape in the North American country saw the Liberal Party holding 152 seats in the House of Commons, while the Conservative Party, led by the controversial Pierre Poilievre, held 120 seats.
The remaining seats were occupied by the Bloc Quebecois (33), the New Democratic Party (24), and the Green Party (2).
The dissolution of Canadian Parliament last month set the stage for the snap election, which has drawn significant attention from the international community.
Early voting saw a record turnout, with over seven million Canadians casting their ballots before election day. Polls opened at 7 am local time on election day, and initial projections indicated that both, the Liberals and the Conservatives, had increased their vote shares in the Atlantic regions.
According to reports, the election is being conducted under a new electoral map that reflects the 20214 Canadian census, which has increased the number of seats in the House of Commons to 343.
Canada’s federal officials are required to count the ballots by hand in the presence of witnesses, ensuring transparency in the electoral process.
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Votes cast early are counted at local election offices, while most ballots will reportedly be tallied on election night.
As the election results being to emerge, the focus remains on how the new government will address pressing issues, including economic stability, international relations and the integration of diverse communities within Canada.