Canadian voters go to the polls

Canadians went to the polls yesterday to determine whether Prime Minister Jean Chretien and his governing Liberal Party win their…

Canadians went to the polls yesterday to determine whether Prime Minister Jean Chretien and his governing Liberal Party win their third consecutive majority government.

Final opinion polls suggested the only question would be whether Chretien wins a majority in the 301-seat parliament. Polling booths opened first in Newfoundland, in the most eastern of Canada's six time zones at 8.30 a.m. local time. Voting stations were to stay open for 12 hours, closing in British Columbia at 7 p.m. (3 a.m. GMT Tuesday).

Opinion polls suggested the Liberals would win their third consecutive mandate, although some suggested Chretien may end up leading the first minority government in Canada in 20 years.

In the case of no party winning an absolute majority, the leader of the party with the most seats would be asked by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson to form a government.