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The federal election has yet to begin, and its outcome lies months in the future, but one thing is already clear: this race will make history.

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It promises to be the longest campaign since the Confederation era; offer a true, three-way race for prime minister for the first time in generations; and unfold under controversial new rules that could — depending on one’s perspective – either curb fraud or disenfranchise countless voters.

What’s more, it will mark the end of a TV debate system that has operated for decades, and for the first time ever likely occur on a date mandated by law.

Thanks to a convergence of legislative change, the prime minister’s own contentious choices, and volatile voter preferences, this contest is destined for the record books.

“It’s momentous,” said Robert Young, a political science professor at Western University. “I think Canadians had better pay attention and think very hard about what they’re doing.”

A common theme runs through this election’s various precedent-setting elements, too. Most have Harper’s fingerprints all over them and arguably could boost his chances of achieving a fourth term, observers say.

“All governments are interested in re-election and all politicians will try to turn an opportunity into something that is good for them,” said Dennis Pilon, a political scientist at Toronto’s York University. “The difference with the Conservatives is that they have gone to great lengths to put institutional rules in place that are not even in their impact.”