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Heavy loss for Quebec separatists Heavy loss for Quebec separatists
(20 minutes later)
Quebec's opposition nationalists have suffered a heavy defeat in elections in the French-speaking province, putting paid to plans for an independence vote.Quebec's opposition nationalists have suffered a heavy defeat in elections in the French-speaking province, putting paid to plans for an independence vote.
But the ruling Liberal Party also fared badly, losing its majority amid a surge by the right-of-centre Action Democratic party (ADQ).But the ruling Liberal Party also fared badly, losing its majority amid a surge by the right-of-centre Action Democratic party (ADQ).
The ADQ advocates more autonomy for Quebec, but within a federal Canada.The ADQ advocates more autonomy for Quebec, but within a federal Canada.
Correspondents say it appears Quebec will have a minority government for the first time in more than 100 years.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 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.
Charismatic figureCharismatic figure
The provincial assembly's 125 seats were contested on Monday.The provincial assembly's 125 seats were contested on Monday.
QUEBEC ELECTIONS 5.6m registered voters80% of them are French speakers125 seats up for electionQUEBEC ELECTIONS 5.6m registered voters80% of them are French speakers125 seats up for election
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.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. But there was confusion over the fate of Liberal Premier Jean Charest, who initially appeared to have lost his seat to the PQ but regained the lead.
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.