Fringe Toronto mayoral candidate Gong demands recount despite losing by over 266K votes

Despite losing to winner Olivia Chow by a whopping 266,389 votes in Monday’s byelection, fringe Toronto mayoral candidate Xiao Hua Gong is asking for a recount.

In a tweet on Tuesday afternoon, Gong thanked his supporters but questioned the validity of the results, which saw Chow fend off a surging Ana Bailão to claim the city’s top job with 37.17 per cent of the vote.

Gong ended the evening with 2,983 votes, which represented 0.41 per cent.

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“We question this mayoral result and believe it’s crucial to ensure the voting was accurate and fair,” Gong tweeted.

“Hence, we’re asking for a recount.”

The results of the election were certified by the city clerk on Wednesday.

Toronto Elections tells CityNews that the Municipal Elections Act outlines the following conditions for a recount.

Gong, who plastered the city with signs, has a background in business, including manufacturing health supplements, creating media channels, commercial property and running beauty pageants.

He’s also no stranger to controversy — accused of being involved in a pyramid scheme. While charges against him were ultimately dropped, his company was convicted and fined in Ontario.

That led him to sue the Ontario Securities Commission for $7 million just a few months ago. That matter is now before the courts.

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Gong also forfeited more than $60 million to the New Zealand government after an investigation into his business dealings there.

Gong’s demand for a recount was largely met with ridicule online.

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With files from Mark McAllister of CityNews