CAQ leader and Quebec premier to be chosen on April 12

The Coalition Avenir Québec will select François Legault's successor on April 12, with candidate applications due Feb. 21 and entry requirements set by the party.

The Coalition Avenir Québec has launched a leadership contest to choose who will replace François Legault as party leader and Quebec premier. The party set the leadership vote for April 12 and said candidates must submit applications by Feb. 21. The CAQ published rules for entrants, including signature and endorsement requirements. Voting will be conducted by telephone using a ranked-preference system. Key details: - The leadership vote is scheduled for April 12. - Candidates must apply by Feb. 21 and gather signatures from 1,000 party members across at least 75 ridings, plus support from 15 MNAs and 100 members of the CAQ youth wing. - Voting will be by telephone and use a ranked-choice system. - François Legault announced he will step down as party leader and premier once a successor is chosen. - Cabinet ministers Simon Jolin-Barrette, Bernard Drainville and Christine Fréchette have said they are considering bids; any minister who runs must give up their cabinet post. - Several ministers and a private-sector figure have said they will not run, including Ian Lafrenière, Eric Girard, Sonia LeBel, Geneviève Guilbault, Christopher Skeete and Olivier Primeau. Summary: The party has set a clear timeline and entry requirements for choosing Legault's successor, with nominations closing in late February and members voting in April. The immediate procedural steps are the Feb. 21 application deadline and the April 12 leadership vote. Further political developments will follow once candidates formally enter the race and the vote takes place.