Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon says he remains optimistic despite expecting a tight race as Quebec’s 2026 provincial election campaign reaches its final day.
Speaking to reporters in Montreal on Sunday, St-Pierre Plamondon said he feels at peace with his performance throughout the campaign as he makes a final push to reach undecided voters and rally supporters ahead of Monday’s vote.
The PQ leader is seeking re-election in his Montreal-area riding, which was the party’s only seat on the Island of Montreal when the campaign began. He urged supporters to continue encouraging voters to turn out and support the party.
St-Pierre Plamondon has also said the party is preparing for different possible election outcomes, including the prospect of forming either a minority or majority government. The PQ has gained considerable momentum during the campaign after winning only three seats in the 2022 election.
The election has been dominated by concerns over the cost of living, the economy, immigration, Quebec’s French language and the future of the province’s relationship with Canada. The possibility of another referendum on Quebec independence has also remained an important issue, although St-Pierre Plamondon has sought to emphasize broader questions about government performance in the final days of the campaign.
The PQ’s rise has come as support for Premier Christine Fréchette’s Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) has weakened, creating an increasingly competitive race involving several major political parties.
St-Pierre Plamondon has positioned the PQ as an alternative for voters seeking significant political change, while continuing to promote Quebec nationalism and the party’s long-standing sovereignty agenda.
According to Élections Québec, roughly one-quarter of eligible voters had already cast their ballots before election day, adding another important factor as parties make their final efforts to mobilize supporters.
With Quebecers set to vote on October 5, the PQ leader’s confidence reflects the party’s dramatic turnaround since its disappointing 2022 result. A strong performance could return the separatist party to government for the first time since Pauline Marois’ minority government ended in 2014.
The final hours of campaigning are expected to focus heavily on voter turnout as party leaders make their last appeals before Quebecers head to the polls.
Swifteradio.com
