Parti Québécois Leader Pauline Marois is asking Premier Jean Charest to call an election in order to resolve the impasse over university tuition hikes.

Marois said an election is now more necessary than ever given the government's failure to quell recent student demonstrations. She called the ongoing student conflict a demonstration of Liberal incompetence.

"If they do not accept to have a discussion, to open communication with students, I think there is no solution except an election," she said.

On Wednesday Marois unveiled a new batch of candidates who will run for the PQ. The party also contacted journalists to discuss their technical requirements for campaign buses.

The opposition is also expected to file a non-confidence motion in an attempt to force an election.

Finance minister Raymond Bachand said an election will be called within the next year, or less. (CBC)

The Liberals remain coy about whether Quebecers should expect a spring election. The premier will only say an election hasn't been scheduled.

Finance Minister Raymond Bachand said it will happen within a year and should help resolve the clash over tuition hikes once and for all. "It will probably be an important issue in an election," he said.

The chair of the Liberal caucus, Lawrence Bergman, said only one person knows for sure.

"It's something the premier decides, based on his choice of the appropriate moment to go to the population for an election," said Bergman.