Quebec denies Conservative majority

[CHIMO]

MONTREAL– In a province Prime Minister Stephen Harper had hoped to more deeply seduce with his avowed record of open federalism, but which appeared to repudiate his appeal halfway through the campaign, Quebecers saw fit to give him the benefit of the doubt.

But the Bloc Québécois, after what analysts said was a good campaign by leader Gilles Duceppe, held 50 ridings late Tuesday evening, denying the Conservatives the seats they needed to form a majority government. The Bloc captured 51 seats in 2006.

The Conservatives were leading or elected in 10 ridings in Quebec, one fewer than at Parliament's dissolution, possibly indicating an undercount of Conservative support in the polls in the waning days of the campaign. Polls were indicating the Tories could lose up to five seats.

Another surprising result in Quebec was the strength of a Liberal Party led by Stéphane Dion — a man anathema to many Quebecers for his role in the Clarity Act, which many viewed as a straitjacket for Quebec separation.

http://www.thestar.com/federalelection/article/517539

[thenam]

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