In a last-minute reversal, the Liberal Party of Quebec could finally field its candidate in the Matane-Matapedia riding.
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Harley Lounsbury was disqualified last Saturday after completing his application form incorrectly.
“I am pleased with the court’s decision, which confirms that we actually put forward 125 compliant candidates,” Liberal leader Dominic Anglade said on Twitter Wednesday evening.
The file submitted at 12:28 an hour and a half before the close of nominations was missing initials and additional signature.
The party appealed the case, arguing that the democratic right of citizens in the riding to vote for a Liberal candidate would be violated. Additionally, in the current public financing system, parties are funded by the number of votes they collect the most, PLQ’s lawyer argued.
On Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Clement Samson overruled the decision of the riding returning officer.
PLQ appealed that voters can vote at the Returning Officer’s office next Friday and take a decision. With this decision, the Liberals can field a full team for the October 3 election, meaning 125 candidates in 125 ridings.
The court concluded that initials were not required under the Elections Act and that it was “unreasonable” to reject the candidature “on the ground that three of its representatives failed to sign the declaration of candidacy”.
“This is a great victory for democracy. Liberal voters in Matane-Matapedia will be able to exercise their right to vote on October 3,” said Smt.me England.
“Full team, period!” Carlos Leitão, president of the party’s election campaign, responded for his part.
– In collaboration with QMI Agency
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