Close call in Canadian elections

BBC NEWS | Americas: "Opinion polls suggest that after 11 years in power, the Liberal Party may be about to lose its absolute majority. It appears to be level with the opposition Conservatives, which could leave minor parties like Quebec's separatists with the balance of power.

In his first election campaign, Mr Harper has portrayed himself as moderate and centrist. Meanwhile, the left-wing New Democrats Party is trying to paint both the Liberals and the Conservatives as cut from the same cloth - and itself as the only choice for a socially conscious agenda. The Bloc Quebecois party, committed to winning independence from Canada, is performing well in Quebec and could win most of the 75 seats in the French-speaking province."