As Quebec voters hit the polls early for advance voting, a recent survey indicates a potential shift in political dynamics. The Parti Québécois (PQ) is on track for a possible majority government, with the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) facing a decline in support.
According to a Synopsis-La Presse poll released on Sunday, the CAQ experienced a notable drop of seven percentage points, landing at a mere 17 per cent in voter intention polls. In contrast, the PQ saw a modest rise of two points, reaching 30 per cent support.
Meanwhile, the Quebec Conservatives (PCQ), led by Éric Duhaime, gained three points, matching the CAQ’s 17 per cent. Québec solidaire (QS) also made gains, securing 13 per cent support and claiming the fifth position.
The Quebec Liberals, under Charles Milliard’s leadership, maintained their second-place position with 22 per cent support, a boost likely attributed to the CAQ’s decline rather than an increase in backing.
The survey reflected the preferences of voters who had finalized their party choices, with approximately 13 per cent still undecided as the election day on Oct. 5 approaches.
Notably, PQ’s momentum was evident across various geographic regions and demographics. The party led among Francophone voters with 36 per cent support, as well as those aged 35 and above. Particularly significant was the increase in support among voters aged 55 and older, a group that had previously heavily supported the CAQ.
In other age groups, the PCQ ranked second among voters aged 35 to 54, securing nearly a quarter of Quebecers’ backing behind the PQ’s 32 per cent. Among younger voters aged 18 to 34, QS emerged as the favorite with 25 per cent support.
The PQ also expanded its lead in the Montreal suburbs, solidifying a comfortable margin. The PCQ and the QS were in close competition in the Quebec City region, with the PCQ maintaining a slight advantage at 31 per cent support. On the Island of Montreal, the Liberals and QS dominated with 38 per cent and 22 per cent respectively.
The online survey polled 1,000 voters from across Quebec between September 24 and 27, offering insights into the evolving political landscape as Quebeckers gear up for the upcoming election.
