He was an Action démocratique du Québec member of the National Assembly for the electoral district of Chambly from 2007 to 2008.
Merlini holds a bachelor's degree in political science and history from Concordia University.
Merlini worked for Premcor Ltee, a commercial printing company in Saint-Lambert as a clerk, a board member and the vice-president (production sector) for 26 years.
He was also involved with the Montreal South Shore Chamber of Commerce and the business association of La Prairie.
Parti Québécois candidate Bertrand St-Arnaud finished second with 29% of the vote.