ADQ prepares for Dumont's departure

With the leader of the Action Démocratique du Québec expected to hand in his official resignation this week, the party is gearing up for its first leadership race.

Mario Dumont, who first announced he would step down shortly after the party's dismal showing in the December election, is expected to make it official within the next day or two.

The party was reduced to seven seats from 41 in the provincial election. The Liberals won 66 and the Parti Québécois captured 51.

Dumont co-founded the ADQ in 1994, with Quebec Liberal Jean Allaire, partly in protest against constitutional compromises agreed to by then premier Robert Bourassa during the Charlottetown Accord talks.

Dumont became ADQ president and then leader before winning the party's first and only seat in the 1994 Quebec election, in Rivière-du-Loup.

Former ADQ MNA Richard Merlini told CBC News Dumont's departure will allow the party to get on with the business of choosing a new leader.

"It will get the leadership race on the roll," he said.

The race presents a great opportunity for the floundering party to rejuvenate itself, Merlini said.

Although no leadership candidates have officially stepped forward, Merlini said is considering a run for the job.

Dumont has not released any details about his plans, but there is speculation he is going to take a job in the private sector in Montreal.