The right-wing Action Democratique du Quebec (ADQ), which advocates autonomy instead of independence in Canada's French-speaking province, emerged as the biggest winner in Monday's elections.

The party, under its 36-year-old leader Mario Dumont, gained 41 seats in the 125-seat provincial legislature to become the official opposition. It had only 5 seats before the elections.

In a surprise move, Dumont's party caught up from behind as voters responded to his common-sense message that includes tax cuts and child-care credits.

Quebec Premier Jean Charest will stay in power, but his Liberal Party has lost its majority status, gaining only 48 seats. It held 75 seats when Charest decided to dissolve the government a month ago.

A majority victory would have required at least 63 seats.

This is the first time in more than 40 years that a Quebec premier has failed to win a second majority. The province has not seen a minority government since 1878.

Charest campaigned on his party's record, being in power since 2003, but critics said he failed to deliver on promises to cut taxes and shore up the public health care network.

The separatist Parti Quebecois, which governed the province from 1994 to 2003, is in third place with 36 seats.

The result has dashed the hopes of its leader Andre Boiclaire, 41, to have a referendum on separation from Canada. Analysts say another referendum on Quebec's sovereignty will now be on the back-burner for a long time.

The outcome is of national significance since it can prompt Prime Minister Stephen Harper to call for new elections with the aim of getting a majority government by winning more seats in Quebec.

The ADQ supporters are usually made up of those siding with the federal Conservatives, analysts say.

Source: Xinhua