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7 candidates set to battle it out in former premier Philippe Couillard’s Roberval riding

Quebec Liberal Leader Philippe Couillard waves to supporters after he lost the general election to a majority CAQ government, Monday, October 1, 2018 in Saint-Felicien, Quebec. Seven candidates are running in a byelection to replace the former premier. Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

Seven candidates are in the running for a byelection to replace former Quebec Liberal leader Philippe Couillard in the provincial riding of Roberval.

The riding has been vacant since Couillard quit politics days after losing October’s provincial election.

READ MORE: Quebec Liberal Leader Philippe Couillard resigns

Elections Quebec says following a Saturday deadline, seven parties have put up a candidate seeking to replace the former premier when voters in the riding go to the polls on Dec. 10.

Couillard garnered 42 per cent of the votes cast on Oct. 1, easily winning the riding in the province’s Saguenay region.

WATCH: Philippe Couillard reflects on political future after election defeat

Click to play video: 'Philippe Couillard reflects on political future after election defeat'
Philippe Couillard reflects on political future after election defeat

The Coalition Avenir Québec currently have 74 seats in the 125-seat legislature, followed by the Liberals at 29 and the Parti Québécois and Québec solidaire at 10 each, and one Independent member.

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Both sovereigntist parties were granted official party status on Thursday following a deal with government in spite of each falling two seats short of the minimum, meaning additional budgets and powers.

READ MORE: Parti Québécois, Québec Solidaire will get official party status after all

The deal is expected to be ratified when the new legislative session begins next week with a first sitting on Tuesday.

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