The 2011 Bloc Québécois leadership election was held on December 11, 2011, to replace Gilles Duceppe, who resigned on May 2 after the party lost 43 of its 47 seats, including his own seat, in the 2011 federal election. It was won by Daniel Paillé.[1]
Voter turnout for the leadership election was 38%.[2]
May 2, 2011: The election is held. The Bloc Québécois won only 4 ridings after having 47 at dissolution of Parliament.[7] The party lost official party status.[8] Gilles Duceppe loses his own riding in Laurier—Sainte-Marie and announces his resignation.[9]
May 3, 2011: Vivian Barbot becomes interim president after failing to regain her riding the night before.[4][10]
May 11, 2011: Former MP Pierre Paquette announces his interest in running for leader and his intention to tour Quebec this summer to consult party members on the future of the Bloc.[8]
June 2, 2011: Louis Plamondon is named the Bloc's interim parliamentary leader.[11]
June 8, 2011: Party executive sets dates for the leadership election.[12]
August 12, 2011: Paquette tells Le Devoir that he will not be a candidate and urges the party to delay the leadership election for a year.[13][14]
September 17, 2011: BQ General Council meets to decide the official rules for the leadership election, the council affirmed its decision to hold the leadership election in 2011 rejecting calls to delay the election until 2012;[15] official start of leadership race.[12][16]
October 28, 2011: Deadline to submit signatures of 1,000 party members and become an official candidate.[17]
October 31 – November 18, 2011:[when?] Advance voting at the BQ's national office during business hours.[18]
November 8, 2011, 6:30 pm: Candidates debate (Quebec City) at Loews Hôtel Le Concorde.[18]
November 11, 2011: Deadline for new members to join the party.[18]
November 15, 2011, 6:30 pm: Candidates debate (Montreal) at Hôtel Delta Montréal.[18]
November 16, 2011: Deadline for membership renewals.[18]
November 22, 2011, 7 pm: Internet candidates debate.[18]
December 10, 2011: Deadline for completed mail-in ballots to be received.[18]
December 11, 2011: Daniel Paillé declared winner after the second ballot.[18]
Pierre Paquette,[8] former MP for Joliette (2000–2011), after initially expressing interest, announced in August that he will not be a candidate and called for the leadership election to be delayed until late 2012.[14] He indicated that he may re-enter the contest if the leadership vote were delayed.[23]
