Parti Quebecois says non-members can vote for new leader for first time
Posted February 1, 2020 12:44 pm.
MONTREAL — The Parti Quebecois says that for the first time, non-members will be able to cast a ballot for its leader.
The PQ body that determines the leadership race rules says the new status of “sympathizer” will open the door for Quebecers to take part in party proceedings and, for a $5 donation, to vote for the new chief.
The announcement Saturday comes amid an attempt revive the flagging fortunes of a party that set Quebec’s political agenda for more than 40 years, but that now sits in fourth place in the National Assembly, where it has not won a majority since 1998.
Leadership debates are expected between April 15 and May 20, though no dates have been set.
The vote to replace Jean-Francois Lisee is scheduled for June 19.
Lisee stepped down after two years at the party helm when the Coalition Avenir Quebec surged to power in October 2018.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 1, 2020.
The Canadian Press
