Quebec’s separatist Parti Quebecois has returned to power after winning the province’s election, bringing the question of independence from Canada back to the forefront of politics.

However, the party fell short of a parliamentary majority and will need support from opposition lawmakers to govern. Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has pledged to hold a future referendum on sovereignty, arguing it is vital to protect Quebec’s French-speaking identity.

The result presents a new political challenge for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and reignites debate over national unity in Canada.