Stalemate

Perhaps the most remarkable thing is that, if the current numbers hold, the House of Commons will once again be a stalemate.

Last time, Liberal + NDP = 154, 1 short of a majority.

This time, Conservative + NDP + Independent = 154, 1 short of a majority.

The Conservatives are going to have to work with the Liberals in order to get things passed, including a throne speech. This is probably most frustrating for Jack Layton who, despite increasing his seat total by 10, is once again one seat short of holding the balance of power.