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Quebec votes in close elections Heavy loss for Quebec separatists
(about 2 hours later)
Polls have closed in Canada's mainly francophone Quebec province, with three parties seeking power in a tight race. Quebec's opposition nationalists have suffered a heavy defeat in elections in the French-speaking province, putting paid to plans for an independence vote.
Media projections suggest that the ruling federalist Liberals may have lost their overall majority amid a surge by a new conservative group. But the ruling Liberal Party also fared badly, losing its majority amid a surge by the right-of-centre Action Democratic party (ADQ).
The group, called Action Democratique (ADQ), wants the province to be more autonomous, but not independent. The ADQ advocates more autonomy for Quebec, but within a federal Canada.
The nationalist Parti Quebecois (PQ), which wants an independence vote if elected, seems to be trailing in third. Correspondents say it appears Quebec will have a minority government for the first time in more than 100 years.
The nationalists, the Parti Quebecois (PQ), which had promised to hold a referendum on independence if elected, was trailing in third place.
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.
Balance of power Charismatic figure
The provincial assembly's 125 seats were contested on Monday.The provincial assembly's 125 seats were contested on Monday.
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
Premier Jean 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.
PQ leader Andre Boisclair has accused him of being too close to the Conservative federal government of Stephen Harper.
The ADQ is led by Mario Dumont, a charismatic figure who has been attracting voters disillusioned with the established players.The ADQ is led by Mario Dumont, a charismatic figure who has been attracting voters disillusioned with the established players.
Analysts say that many of the ADQ's votes came from those disaffected with the separatist Parti Quebecois.
But Liberal Premier Jean Charest, who has faced criticism for failing to cut taxes, lost his own seat to the PQ.
PQ leader Andre Boisclair has accused him of being too close to the Conservative federal government of Stephen Harper.