SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Green Party candidate Eli Purchase said he was disappointed with the Western Arctic results, seeing party votes fall to 3.1 per cent from 2008's 5.49 per cent Monday night, yet was extremely pleased that party leader Elizabeth May made history in acquiring the party's first elected seat.

Purchase garnered 477 votes, 275 less than party candidate Sam Gamble raked in during the 2008 election, however it was almost 100 more votes than the Greens acquired in 2006.

He attributed the decline in votes to the suddenness of the election and he said over the next four years.

"We went in not nearly as prepared as we could have been," said Purchase.

"Now we've got four years to build ... The next election here in the Northwest Territories and across Canada the Green Party is definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with."

At about 10 p.m., when Elizabeth May became her party's first elected MP Monday night, a small eruption of cheers could be heard from the headquarters, Purchase's Burwash Drive home.

"I'm really excited to have a Green MP going to Ottawa, That's really exciting," said Purchase grinning as he watched May give her victory speech from British Columbia.

The Green Party won 3.91 per cent of the national votes and its campaign received attention after May was shut out of the televised leaders debates, which she had been a part of in 2008.

"Having her elected and having her as a powerful voice in Parliament, helping the NDP opposition to keep Steve (Harper) in check, and make sure that government is working for Canadians, that is going to be a huge boom," said Purchase.

The atmosphere was relaxed as a handful of friends lounged on couches, checking Elections Canada results online and not hiding their disappointment as the Conservatives continued to gain the popular vote throughout the evening.

"I was hoping for more change," says Green Party supporter Robin Weber as she watched the results roll in on the television.

Purchase, donning a backwards bright green baseball hat and matching green shirt, said he would continue to be a presence with the Green Party in the NWT and eluded to running again.

"Any election campaign when you have a repeat candidate, it's really beneficial for the campaign. It's definitely something I'd consider in the future," he said.

Closer to home, with a territorial election looming this fall, Purchase said he has been asked if he will run.

"It's something that's crossed my mind but I haven't made any decisions yet."

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.