Running unopposed: Several Quebec mayors elected by acclamation

Dozens of cities elected their representatives by acclamation in Quebec, as they ran unopposed for the municipal elections set for Nov. 2.

Some mayors see that as a sign of satisfaction from their citizens, while political analyst Eleni Bakopanos warns that the lack of competition is a threat to a healthy democracy.

“I do believe that there should be a diversity of ideas at the table. And maybe that Mayor has done a good job. So they shouldn’t be afraid, obviously, if they have competition because it is up to the citizens, right, to actually judge that,” said Bakopanos.

In Chateauguay, south of Montreal, Mayor Éric Allard and his entire team were given another mandate without facing opposition.

“We’re still doing door-to-door right now because we feel it’s important to stay connected. And we are planning to keep doing that until November. And after that, there’s many city councilors that are still doing door-to-door every year to stay in contact with everybody,” said Allard.

In Montreal, Dollard-des-Ormeaux Mayor Alex Bottausci ran unopposed after no other candidate filed their paperwork before the deadline, this past Friday.

“This acclamation has not been slowing me down at all or taking it for granted. It’s it’s truly fired me up. And it’s about stepping up and delivering for Dollard-des-Ormeaux residents more than ever,” said Bottausci.

Kirkland Mayor Michel Gibson is returning to city hall for a fourth term; he was also elected without having to run against anyone.

“I’m very grateful and humble to have that privilege again for a fourth term, and because we’ve got some big plans ahead,” said Gibson.

In Terrebonne, with a population of almost 120,000 residents, Mayor Mathieu Traversy returns to office unopposed.

“When people go out to vote, it’s often because there’s frustration, there’s dissatisfaction. Chances are, in Terrebonne, there hasn’t been much of that lately,” said Traversy.

Only 38 per cent of people voted in the last municipal election in Montreal and across Quebec. Bakopanos hopes more citizens will be motivated to vote before election day on November 2.

“I’m hoping in this election, that there will be more motivation, especially when there is this wind of change that people want.”

Bakopanos observed a surge in the number of municipalities with only one candidate—often the incumbent.

“There’s been a difference in the number of areas in terms of the last municipal elections, which occurred in 2021 to the present ones, and even from the ones of 2017. When I’ve been looking at the statistics, there’s, first of all, more women running, but less women staying. There’s also a lack of young people wanting to run for municipal office.”

The former member of Parliament adds, “The biggest issue right now facing politicians and especially politicians the municipal level, is the toxic environment of social media. And I would say another one, which I faced myself was how to find the work-life balance.”

Residents can search for any municipality on the Elections Quebec page to see candidates and to check if polls in their city will be open on Nov. 2.