Ryan Meili's opponent concedes, says no need to 'hold up' Sask. NDP leader's work

NDP Leader Ryan Meili's opponent has conceded in the tight race for the Saskatoon Meewasin seat in the provincial legislature.

Saskatchewan Party candidate Rylund Hunter saidhe called Meili on Thursday afternoon to congratulate him.

The riding was considered too close to call on Monday's election night.CBC's Decision Desk is now projecting Meili to win, after Hunter's concession.

As of Thursday, Meili leads by 209 votes, but as many as 591 mail-in ballots could still come in and be counted on Nov. 7.

Hunter said those mail-in ballots are unlikely to make up the deficit he faces.

"I think there is no need to hold up him getting to work until the seventh," Hunter said, addinghe and Meili share a mutual respect.

"I certainly respect and appreciate his hustle and drive to serve the community and he reciprocated that."

Meili's win would breakthe streak of two straight NDP leaders losing election bids for their own seats.

On Wednesday, before Elections Saskatchewan had publicly released the latest mail-in results, Meili declared victory in Saskatoon Meewasin.

On Thursday, the NDP added a seat in Regina University, whenNDP challenger Aleana Young won over Sask. Party incumbent Tina Beaudry-Mellor, CBC's Decision Desk projects.

As it stands, the Sask. Party is projected to have elected 46 members tothe NDP's13.

The Saskatchewan Party leads in Saskatoon Riversdale and Regina Pasquawith more mail-in votes to be counted. Neither NDP candidate has conceded in those races.

Election result wait 'roller-coaster': Hunter

Saskatoon Meewasin was one of eight ridings CBC News did not call on election night due to the wait for mail-in ballot resultsand the margin of the race.

"It's a bit of a roller-coaster for the whole team," said Hunter."You're in overtime and there's nothing you can do but sit back andwatch. That's the way it goes with any competition. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose."

But "I had a bit of an idea of how thingsmight go," he added.

Hunter did not rule out a future election run andthanked his campaign team and supporters.

"It was a real honour to run and have so many people put their trust in me."