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Quebec votes in close elections Quebec votes in close elections
(about 5 hours later)
Canadians in the mainly French-speaking Quebec province are electing a new government in a tight three-way race. Polls have closed in Canada's mainly francophone Quebec province, with three parties seeking power in a tight race.
The poll has again raised the prospect of independence from Canada, with the nationalist Parti Quebecois (PQ) vowing to hold a vote on the issue if elected.The poll has again raised the prospect of independence from Canada, with the nationalist Parti Quebecois (PQ) vowing to hold a vote on the issue if elected.
It is seeking to regain power from the federalist Liberal Party and Premier Jean Charest who is seeking a new term.It is seeking to regain power from the federalist Liberal Party and Premier Jean Charest who is seeking a new term.
But both parties are facing a strong challenge from a new conservative group, the Action Democratique (ADQ).But both parties are facing a strong challenge from a new conservative group, the Action Democratique (ADQ).
The ADQ wants the province to be more autonomous, but not independent.The ADQ wants the province to be more autonomous, but not independent.
Balance of powerBalance of power
The provincial assembly's 125 seats are up for election on Monday. The provincial assembly's 125 seats were contested on Monday.
Turnout among Quebec's 5.6 million voters is expected to be high. Pollsters say many of them have declared themselves undecided. Turnout among Quebec's 5.6 million voters was expected to be high. QUEBEC ELECTIONS 5.6m registered voters80% of them are French speakers125 seats up for election
QUEBEC ELECTIONS 5.6m registered voters80% of them are French speakers125 seats up for election
None of the three parties is expected to obtain enough support to form a government on its own.None of the three parties is expected to obtain enough support to form a government on its own.
Mr Charest, who has been in power for four years, has faced criticism for failing to cut taxes.Mr Charest, who has been in power for four years, has faced criticism for failing to cut taxes.
He says the PQ's independence ambitions are out of tune with what most Quebec residents want.He says the PQ's independence ambitions are out of tune with what most Quebec residents want.
PQ leader Andre Boisclair has accused him of being too close to the Conservative federal government of Stephen Harper.PQ leader Andre Boisclair has accused him of being too close to the Conservative federal government of Stephen Harper.
Mr Boisclair has said he will hold a referendum on independence as soon as possible if elected.Mr Boisclair has said he will hold a referendum on independence as soon as possible if elected.
The last referendum on the issue, in 1995, rejected separation by about one percentage point.The last referendum on the issue, in 1995, rejected separation by about one percentage point.
If there is a minority government, analysts say the balance of power could be held by the ADQ, which is led by Mario Dumont.If there is a minority government, analysts say the balance of power could be held by the ADQ, which is led by Mario Dumont.
The BBC's Lee Carter says Mr Dumont is a charismatic figure who has been attracting voters disillusioned with the established players.The BBC's Lee Carter says Mr Dumont is a charismatic figure who has been attracting voters disillusioned with the established players.