Quebec Liberals dominated two byelections Monday in the heart of sovereigntist terroritory, which included a major victory in the riding that used to be held by former Quebec premier Lucien Bouchard.

Liberal candidate Francoise Gauthier took the riding of Jonquiere, capturing nearly 50 per cent of the vote over Parti Quebecois candidate, Nicole Racine, had about 30 per cent.

The seat became available when Bouchard retired from politics earlier this year.

The Liberals also took the riding of Laviolette, which has been a PQ stronghold since 1976, with candidate Julie Boulet who lost a seat in the last federal election by only three votes.

PQ cabinet minister Richard Legendre was declared the winner of a byelection in the riding of Blainville.

A fourt race in Labelle was a neck and neck fight between the PQ and Liberal candidate.

The byelections weren't considered a life-and-death matter for the PQ, which enjoys a comfortable majority in the legislature.

However, the defeats are expected to greatly upset many PQ members.

Quebec Premier Bernard Landry launched the byelection campaigns in August with much confidence of PQ victories in all four ridings.

But in the campaign home stretch, Landry warned PQ supporters to take nothing for granted.

Political analysts speculate that Monday's results will greatly affect how Landry tackles the issue of when to hold the next election, and whether to hold a referendum on sovereignty.

Landry does not have to call a general election until as late as 2003. He has already ruled out holding an election this fall.

Before Monday's vote, the PQ held 70 seats in the 125-member legislature, compared with 48 for the Liberals and one for the Action democratique du Quebec.