It looks like my first attempt at political punditry has gone horribly wrong.
The four-way split in the vote (Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, and New Democratic Party) that existed when the election was called in December still exists today.
But at that time polls suggested the election would result in no change at all. Canada seemed certain to elect another minority government with the Liberals at the helm.
What has changed since then is that there has been a massive increase in support for the Conservative Party.
For many years the Conservatives were regarded with suspicion. They were often accused of harboring a hidden agenda of social conservatism they chose not to reveal in their official platform.
Now voters appear to have overcome these doubts. Analysts suggest the Conservatives are within striking distance of forming an absolute majority in the House of Commons.
Conservative leader Stephen Harper, once regarded as a liability, has emerged as strong and confident in televised debates between the leaders of the four main parties.
Election day is Monday, January 23, 2006.
