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Quebec holds provincial elections Quebec holds provincial elections
(about 4 hours later)
The main separatist party in the Canadian province of Quebec is facing voters in an election it called in a bid to win a legislative majority.The main separatist party in the Canadian province of Quebec is facing voters in an election it called in a bid to win a legislative majority.
Parti Quebecois (PQ) led a minority government in the provincial assembly after the 2012 vote.Parti Quebecois (PQ) led a minority government in the provincial assembly after the 2012 vote.
But its coalition partners had blocked its controversial Charter of Values which would ban public employees from wearing religious articles.But its coalition partners had blocked its controversial Charter of Values which would ban public employees from wearing religious articles.
The election has also revived debate over Quebec's independence from Canada.The election has also revived debate over Quebec's independence from Canada.
Church and stateChurch and state
"I want to obtain the confidence of Quebecers," Quebec Premier Pauline Marois of the PQ said on Sunday. As she went to vote on Monday, PQ leader Pauline Marois said she was "very serene".
"I trust Quebecers will choose a good government to lead them and I am confident about tonight," she said, according to broadcaster CTV.
During the bitter 30-day campaign, Ms Marois sought to tamp down on discussion of Quebec independence after party candidate Pierre Karl Peladeau campaigned to "make Quebec a country".During the bitter 30-day campaign, Ms Marois sought to tamp down on discussion of Quebec independence after party candidate Pierre Karl Peladeau campaigned to "make Quebec a country".
That sidelined talk of the Charter of Values, with which the party had hoped to rally French-speaking voters in swing regions.That sidelined talk of the Charter of Values, with which the party had hoped to rally French-speaking voters in swing regions.
Ms Marois dissolved the provincial legislature and called an election in March, asking voters to deliver a majority that would enable the PQ to carry out its agenda, including passing the Charter of Values.Ms Marois dissolved the provincial legislature and called an election in March, asking voters to deliver a majority that would enable the PQ to carry out its agenda, including passing the Charter of Values.
The charter would ban public employees from wearing religious articles such as Muslim headscarves, Jewish skullcaps and large crosses.The charter would ban public employees from wearing religious articles such as Muslim headscarves, Jewish skullcaps and large crosses.
Protesters including Jews, Sikhs and Muslims have rallied against the charter, while supporters have argued it protects the separation of church and state.Protesters including Jews, Sikhs and Muslims have rallied against the charter, while supporters have argued it protects the separation of church and state.
The Liberal Party led by Philippe Couillard also seeks a majority. Running candidates, too, is the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ), the third-largest party in the just-dissolved 40th Quebec Legislature.The Liberal Party led by Philippe Couillard also seeks a majority. Running candidates, too, is the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ), the third-largest party in the just-dissolved 40th Quebec Legislature.
Mr Couillard told reporters he was "happy" with the Liberals' campaign.
"I'm confident about the result but it's now time for citizens to speak," Mr Couillard said. "Politicians have spoken enough."
About six million people are eligible to cast ballots on Monday.About six million people are eligible to cast ballots on Monday.
Experts have predicted the Parti Quebecois will struggle to gain control of the 125-seat legislature.Experts have predicted the Parti Quebecois will struggle to gain control of the 125-seat legislature.
Instead, the Quebec Liberals - who are supporters of Canadian unity - may win a majority a mere 18 months after losing power, analysts say.Instead, the Quebec Liberals - who are supporters of Canadian unity - may win a majority a mere 18 months after losing power, analysts say.