ST. JOHN’S — Newfoundland and Labrador’s Liberals were pulling ahead of the Progressive Conservatives on Tuesday night in the ballot count after an election campaign largely focused on a proposed multibillion-dollar energy deal with Quebec.

An hour after the polls closed, the Liberals were leading or elected in 19 ridings, with the Tories elected or leading in 17. New Democratic candidates were leading in two ridings. A total of 21 seats is needed for a majority in the 40-seat house.

Liberal Leader John Hogan, a 47-year-old lawyer, has said the proposed energy agreement between Hydro-Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro could inject $225 billion into the provincial treasury over 50 years.

Hogan, whose party is seeking a fourth consecutive term, has said the memorandum of understan

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