What result did Stephen Harper and the Conservatives achieve in the 2008 election?

In the 2008 federal election, Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party were returned to power, though they failed to secure a parliamentary majority.12

The results of the election included:

• Seats: The Conservatives gained 19 seats, bringing their total to 143 in the House of Commons.12
• Popular Vote: The party captured more than 37 percent of the national popular vote.2
• Context: Harper had called the early election hoping to achieve a majority, particularly by making gains in Quebec; however, voters in that province maintained their support for the Bloc Québécois and the Liberal Party.12

Despite falling short of a majority, Harper remained in office as prime minister, continuing to lead a minority government.12