Quebec's first director general of elections has died.

Pierre F. Coté began his career as a Quebec City lawyer, and held the chief of elections post from 1978 to 1997.

As the director general Coté oversaw the Charlottetown vote and the 1995 sovereignty referendum.

He drew criticism from federalists when he accused participants of the 1995 unity rally of violating spending laws.

Coté was 85-years-old.