Quebec’s independence party, Parti Québécois, won the largest share of the vote for the first time in 12 years, paving the way for another possible referendum in the near future.
The victory wasn’t straightforward, however. PQ is projected to win 59 of 127 seats, falling five short of the 64 needed to obtain a majority in the National Assembly of Quebec, significantly constraining its ability to govern. The party’s larger share of the vote is also believed to have been brought about through a surge of protest votes, dissatisfied with the governing Coalition Avenir Québec. The coalition enjoyed massive support for two terms, winning reelection in a landslide just four years ago, but saw a catastrophic collapse in support this time around. It is now poised to win zero seats.
