Canadian media projected a Parti Quebecois win in Monday's Quebec election, returning the separatist party to government and renewing a referendum pledge.
Canadian media projected on Monday night that the separatist Parti Quebecois would form the next Quebec government, with leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon set to become premier. It is the party's first return to power since 2014 and ends eight years of Coalition Avenir Quebec government.
BBC and the Globe and Mail reported the result looked like a minority, with some ridings still uncalled late on election night in the 127-seat National Assembly. A majority requires 64 seats. Al Jazeera, citing AP and Reuters, said the party won the most seats.
Plamondon has promised a referendum on independence during a four-year term, but said the vote would wait until after US President Donald Trump leaves office. Quebec held sovereignty referendums in 1980 and 1995. BBC and the Globe and Mail both reported polls showing about 30 percent support for independence.
The result sets up a test for Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is already managing US trade pressure and a separate Alberta referendum process. Plamondon has also said he will challenge Ottawa on immigration and the role of the lieutenant-governor.
Final certified seat totals were still being completed as early Tuesday coverage continued. A minority would need opposition support to pass major legislation.