In the most recent municipal elections in Quebec, 564 mayors and 3,996 councillors were elected by acclamation — meaning without opposition. That accounts for 57.8% of all positions, a slight improvement compared with 62.7% in the previous election, but the overall picture remains troubling: local democracy is running out of breath.
A democracy under strain
Two trends are combining:
- A shortage of candidates in many municipalities;
- Low voter turnout, even where elections are actually held.
In North Hatley, voter participation is relatively strong, but the number of uncontested seats remains high: 4 out of 6 councillors were elected by acclamation. This imbalance reflects a broader pattern seen across many small towns and villages in Quebec.
The Need for Civic Renewal
Across the province, mayors and councillors are calling for greater diversity among candidates — more women, young people, and citizens from varied backgrounds — to enrich public debate and improve the quality of local decision-making.
A more pluralistic representation would not only bring fresh ideas but also rekindle public interest in municipal life, which is too often seen as distant or overly technical.
The risk of a democracy without debate
The real danger lies not only in the shortage of candidates but in the absence of competing ideas.
Too many campaigns unfold without a clear vision, without a public platform, and sometimes without any exchange between contenders. This opens the door to a kind of complacent governance, where democratic legitimacy depends more on inertia than on the informed choice of citizens.
A fundamental question
If one is elected without debate or a program, who does one truly represent — and on what basis does one govern?
References
