dexter performance in the leaders' debate was improved in the eyes of many pundits. the ndp did not win government, but did make major gains on election day. the party gained five seats for a total of 20, the party's best performance in its history. dexter also was easily re-elected in his own seat of cole harbour with 59.5%. the ndp gained roughly 4% of the popular vote to 34.5%. the ndp also won seats in the south shore region of nova scotia, an area where it had not performed well previously, specifically shelburne and queens.