How long could a minority Liberal government last in Quebec?

Just hours before the polls close in Quebec, the 'what if' game has already begun.

'What if' the PQ loses as the polls are predicting — can Pauline Marois stay on as party leader?

'What if' the PQ are almost wiped-out — what happens to the sovereignty movement?

'What if' there's another minority government, a Liberal minority government? How long before the next Quebec election?

[ Related: Five missteps of Pauline Marois during the Quebec election campaign ]

That final question is probably one of the most intriguing and yet the most worrying for Quebecers.

This election cost taxpayers approximately $88 million and has been one of the most nastiest campaigns in recent memory. It's not something Quebecers want to go through again, any time soon.

But according to the Toronto Star's Chantal Hébert, Quebecers may have to. In her weekend column, she warns that a Philippe Couillard minority government could be as short-lived as Paul Martin's 2004 government.

"A minority Liberal government would of course have to deal with a National Assembly controlled by a pro-secularism charter opposition majority.There are only shades of grey between the [Coalition Avenir Quebec] and the PQ’s charter approaches," she wrote.

[ Related: Quebecers turn out to vote after nasty provincial election campaign ]

Hébert also suggests there could be some troubled waters ahead for the Liberals with regard to the ongoing Charbonneau commission — the public commission set-up to investigate corruption in Quebec's construction industry.

That's something political scientist Bruce Hicks can foresee as well.

"Charbonneau has been focused on municipalities but it will soon be looking at provincial political party finances," Hicks told Yahoo Canada News.

"The Liberals chose Couillard because he was out of government when most of the rumours of party kickbacks were swirling around. If Charbonneau finds validity to these rumours will the voters see Couillard as untainted? If the opposition suspects the Liberal brand is soiled they will force an election."

Hicks says that, if there is a minority Liberal government, he could see another election in as early as 18 months.

If that happens, that would be three elections in 54 months at a cost of approximately $250 million.

We may have a 'winnier' tonight but this could be a battle that is far from over.

(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Press)

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