The Pollcast: 4 byelections and many questions in Quebec politics

The CBCPollcast, hosted by CBC poll analyst ric Grenier, explores the world of electoralpolitics,political polls and the trends they reveal.

Voters head to the polls in four provincial ridings in Quebec on Monday. The contestswill mark the first test for Jean-Franois Lise, the Parti Qubcois's new leader.

• Advanced polls open for 4 Quebec byelections
• Podcasts: Subscribe to the CBCPollcast

Byelections will be held in the ridings of Arthabaska, Marie-Victorin, Saint-Jrme and Verdun. The last riding, held by the Liberals on the island of Montreal, is not considered to be at play.

But the Parti Qubcois will be looking to hold their ridings of Marie-Victorin and Saint-Jrme, while the Coalition Avenir Qubec will try to defend its turf in Arthabaska. The CAQ may also try to make a play for Saint-Jrme, a seat that Pierre-Karl Pladeau won away from the CAQ in the 2014 provincial election.

A few surprises could be in store. Will the results prove to be bad news for Lise, could they blunt the gains that Franois Legault's CAQ has recently made in the polls, or will they turn out to be a shot across the Liberal bow, as the government's satisfaction ratings reach new lows?

Joining podcast host ric Grenierto discuss Quebec's politics on this week's episode of The Pollcast is pollster Christian Bourque, executive vice-president of Lger.

Listen to the full discussion above or subscribe to the CBCPollcast and listen to past episodes.

Follow ric Grenierand Christian Bourqueon Twitter.