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VICTORIA — When the final count was completed in Saanich North and the Islands last election, voters in the riding north of the capital had done something unusual.

In a polarized province, where most constituencies in most elections are decided in two-way fights between the parties of left and right, Saanich North had delivered up a rare three-way fight.

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So close was the result that Elections B.C. conducted a recount to be sure. In the final reckoning, less than 400 votes separated the winner from the third-place finisher. Measured as a share of the popular vote, the difference was apparent only when the percentage was worked out to four digits.

Green candidate Adam Olsen finished third with 32.07 per cent of the total votes cast in the constituency. In second place was Liberal Stephen Roberts with 32.76 per cent.

The victor in our winner-take-all system was New Democrat Gary Holman. His 33.27 per cent of the popular vote would have relegated him to a dismal second in a typical two-way fight.