The Coalition Avenir Québec has chosen former minister Christine Fréchette to be the province’s next premier as the governing party faces possible annihilation in a provincial election later this year.

Ms. Fréchette is promising to breathe new life into a party that has collapsed in the polls in recent years. She will replace outgoing Premier François Legault, who announced his resignation in January after seven and a half years in power.

The former economy minister claimed nearly 58 per cent of the vote at a leadership convention in Drummondville, Que. on Sunday, defeating her only rival, longtime minister Bernard Drainville. She will attempt to resurrect the party with just months to go before a provincial election scheduled for October.

“Quebeckers, you want change, but not just any kind of change. No improvisation, no divisive promises,” Ms. Fréchette said shortly before the results were announced. “You want change that brings order, improves your lives, and makes them simpler.”