Voter turnout low in corruption-plagued Montreal

But, when the votes were counted, only about 43 per cent of Montrealers cast their ballot to elect their new civic leaders, according to numbers from Elections Montreal.

It's a slight bump over 2009, when incumbent Gerald Tremblayswept back into city hall with a Union Montreal majority. But it's still short of the 50 per cent election officials were hoping for.

Sunday's municipal election resultis part of apersistent trend in Western democracies toward lower voter turnouts.

Denis Coderre, a former longtime Liberal MP, was elected by 32per cent of those voters meaning only 13 per centofeligiblevoters picked the next mayor.

In his victory speech, Coderre was conciliatory and pledged to work with other municipal parties.

"We are at the crossroads right now, and I will be the mayor ofall Montrealers," Coderre said.

Most, of course, didn't vote for him.

Over the last 40 years, voter turnout has been steadily decliningin established democracies. North America, WesternEurope and Japanhave all seen reduced participation at the polls.

The trend is generally agreed to be undesirable, but there'sclashing opinion among political scientists regarding whetherpeoplewho don't follow politics or don't want to vote should be forced to cast a ballot.

On par with other metropolises

In Toronto, turnout rose in 2010, but the city now findsitself with a mayor facing resignation demands fromacrossthepolitical spectrum.

Voter turnout in Toronto was at 39 per cent in 2006, comparedwith 50 per cent 2010.

Other cities haven't fared much better. Calgary saw a 39 per centturnout in last month's election, down from 53 per centin 2010.

InEdmonton, 35 per cent voted last month, even though the job was upfor grabs after the previous mayor stepped down.