PQ leads Quebec election field as voters head to the polls

MONTREAL — Quebec’s provincial election has become a highly competitive race, with five parties in contention for legislative seats, something the province has not seen in decades. The Parti Québécois, led by Paul StPierre Plamondon, has emerged as the frontrunner late in the campaign. The race has been shaped by concerns about the economy, the cost of living and renewed debate over the possibility of another sovereignty referendum. Political science professor André Lamoureux said the PQ has gained ground as support for the Coalition Avenir Québec has weakened. He also pointed to a recent mistake by CAQ leader Christine Fréchette, who briefly suggested Americans were trying to help sovereigntists before walking back the claim. Other parties remain in the contest. Éric Duhaime’s Conservatives have focused on taxes and reducing government spending, while Liberal leader Charles Milliard has tried to position his party as the main federalist option. Québec solidaire has struggled to expand beyond its urban base, and the outcome could leave Quebec with a very different legislature from the one elected in 2022. Lamoureux said a minority result would likely force cooperation among parties, giving several of them meaningful influence after the vote.