Public opinion, parties, and elections

Prof. Gerald Baier explains the potential merger of B.C. United and B.C. Conservatives

Prof. Gerald Baier explains the potential merger of B.C. United and B.C. Conservatives

Professor Gerald Baier says that it is “a well-known historical fact that the centre-right can’t win as two parties in B.C.”

Prof. Gerald Baier discusses the difficulties of a merger between B.C. United and B.C. Conservatives

Prof. Gerald Baier discusses the difficulties of a merger between B.C. United and B.C. Conservatives

Professor Gerald Baier says a merger between the B.C. United and the B.C. Conservatives would be difficult within the five months before the October election given the uncertainties of who would lead the new party and its name.

Prof. Stewart Prest explains Poilievre’s campaigning on Vancouver Island

Prof. Stewart Prest explains Poilievre’s campaigning on Vancouver Island

Professor Stewart Prest explains that resource-dependent ridings in Vancouver Island’s rural areas and small towns are the most susceptible to Conservative messaging. However, their lack of environmental messaging may pose a problem for voters.

Prof. Gerald Baier discusses B.C. United’s campaign struggles

Prof. Gerald Baier discusses B.C. United’s campaign struggles

Professor Gerald Baier explains that B.C. United does not fully own the B.C. NDP opposition votes in this election. The division could be a “disaster” for several parties as the centre and centre-right vote typically only succeed when unified.

Prof. Stewart Prest discusses B.C. NDP’s push to become a ‘Big-tent’ party

Prof. Stewart Prest discusses B.C. NDP’s push to become a ‘Big-tent’ party

Professor Stewart Prest explains that the B.C. NDP have shifted their focus to appeal to middle class voters and become a big tent party of the left and centre, but this could also alienate their traditional working class voters.

Prof. Stewart Prest says the B.C. Conservatives need more appeal to capture voters

Prof. Stewart Prest says the B.C. Conservatives need more appeal to capture voters

The Conservative Party of B.C. recently dropped two candidates after misinformation accusations. Professor Stewart Prest says that the party must appeal to “middle of the road” voters to become the official opposition.

Op-ed: Prof. Yves Tiberghien says Taiwan’s election shows remarkable political resiliency

Op-ed: Prof. Yves Tiberghien says Taiwan’s election shows remarkable political resiliency

Despite external pressures from China, the Taiwan elected results were stable and as predicted. The DPP won the presidency but lost control of the legislature. The results show a degree of resilience and self-confidence of the Taiwanese in their democratic system, while also suggesting continuous caution and a preference for stability.

Op-ed: “Taiwan’s democracy triumphs” says Prof. Yves Tiberghien

Op-ed: “Taiwan’s democracy triumphs” says Prof. Yves Tiberghien

The victory of the Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan, despite economic and geopolitical pressures, showcases a balanced electorate with a divided government between the presidency and parliament, resilient democratic institutions and voters, and a focus on domestic issues over security and cross-strait relations.

Op-ed: “Taiwan’s Democracy Has Shown Great Resilience in 2024” says Prof. Yves Tiberghien

Op-ed: “Taiwan’s Democracy Has Shown Great Resilience in 2024” says Prof. Yves Tiberghien

Professor Yves Tiberghien says the Democratic Progressive Party’s re-election, despite reports of election and media interference by China, shows that Taiwanese voters and institutions are building resilience to foreign election risks.

Prof. Stewart Prest warns against relying on a single poll

Prof. Stewart Prest warns against relying on a single poll

Professor Stewart Prest says the recent poll showing “broad dissatisfaction” with the B.C. NDP government in several policy areas is “bad news” for both the NDP and B.C. United. However, the opposition’s vote remains divided, limiting its impact.