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.

Less than one hour after the polls closed, the Liberals were leading or elected in 22 ridings, with the Tories elected or leading in 14. 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 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 understanding between the two utilities was “the election is

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