Chicoutimi Citizens Vote in By-election
Chicoutimi voters turned out for a significant by-election on Monday evening. The event marked a notable shift in political power, as the Parti Québécois (PQ) candidate, Marie-Karlynn Laflamme, reclaimed the district, previously won by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) in 2018. This victory marks the PQ’s fourth consecutive win in by-elections, strengthening their presence in the Quebec National Assembly.
Election Results: Key Figures
Marie-Karlynn Laflamme, a former vice-rector at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, secured more than 45% of the votes, surpassing her opponents by a significant margin. The results were as follows:
- Marie-Karlynn Laflamme (PQ): 45%
- Catherine Morissette (CAQ): 24%
- Francis Tremblay (CAQ): 14%
- Tricia Murray (Liberal): 11%
- Jeanne Palardy (QS): 4%
Voter Turnout: A Decline in Participation
The by-election saw a disappointing voter turnout of only 24.34%. In comparison, nearly 49% of voters participated in the general election of 2022 at the same point. This lower engagement may indicate a waning interest among the electorate, just seven months ahead of the upcoming general elections scheduled for October.
The Significance of This Win for the PQ
This victory for the PQ not only reestablishes their hold on Chicoutimi, which they governed from 1973 to 2018, but also increases their caucus from three to seven members in the National Assembly. Additional recent wins in Jean-Talon, Terrebonne, and Arthabaska suggest a shifting landscape in Quebec politics, all of which have transitioned to the PQ’s control during the current term.
Challenges for the CAQ
For the CAQ, the outcome represents a significant reversal. The party had previously secured over 62% of the vote in Chicoutimi during the 2022 elections. The resignation of Andrée Laforest, a minister, in September for a failed bid for Saguenay’s mayoral office, prompted the need for this by-election. A pre-election poll indicated difficulties for the CAQ, which faced growing dissent in public opinion.
On election night, CAQ support came from two ministers, Éric Girard and Samuel Poulin, who were sent to rally support for their young candidate, only 24 years old. The absence of Prime Minister François Legault may have further accentuated the challenges facing the party.
As the political climate evolves, El-Balad will continue to provide updates and analyses on the ongoing developments in Quebec’s political landscape.
