The Parti Quebecois is considering whether to hold a convention that would reassess Andre Boisclair's post as leader, according to a newspaper report, which suggests Gilles Duceppe would run to replace him.
The Globe and Mail reports that the separatist provincial party will decide within days whether to hold a convention or not, after it finished a disappointing third in Monday's election.
Former Parti Qu�b�cois leader Bernard Landry blamed Boisclair for the PQ's worst showing since 1970, the newspaper reported.
In an interview with Radio France Internationale to be broadcast Saturday, Landry called for the party to review its leadership.
"The party must review its program, including its leadership," Landry said.
"The leader himself called for this reflection and I think he is right," Landry said.
A convention could be held as early as June, according to The Globe.
Its objective would be to reassess the party's pledge to hold a referendum on sovereignty as soon as possible after a PQ election victory.
But party rules mandate a leadership evaluation at the first convention after an election.
This means that if Boisclair wants to review the commitment to hold a referendum, his leadership will also have to be reassessed.
Sources have told The Globe that Duceppe, who balked the last time the party position came up for grabs, is expected to run to replace Boisclair this time around.
Some riding association executives are already working to eject Boisclair from the helm of the party after his unexpected comments Tuesday that the election results show Quebec independence won't happen anytime soon.
"Sovereignty is still desirable, but in the short term it can't be achieved,'' said Boisclair.
Boisclair said he takes responsibility for the PQ's poor performance in Monday's election and plans to come up with a strategy to win a majority government.
"What I want to do in upcoming days and weeks is to meet with the caucus, to meet with the leadership of the party, to plan for next year and to do what must be done so that in the next election the Parti Quebecois might again hope to form the government," he said.
With files from The Canadian Press
