France begins its first round of parliamentary elections this Sunday, with opinion polls suggesting a potential far-right victory in the two-round legislative vote concluding on July 7.
Here’s a breakdown of how the election works and what follows:
How Does the Vote Work?
Electoral Basics: France boasts 49 million registered voters and 577 constituency contests, each corresponding to a seat in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament.
First Round Dynamics: Candidates securing an absolute majority in their constituency are elected outright; otherwise, a second round is triggered.
Run-off Requirements: To advance to the second round, candidates must secure at least 12.5% of registered voters’ support in the first round.
Second Round Outcome: The top vote-getter in the second round wins the seat.
Poll Closing and Projections: Voting concludes at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT) on Sunday, with pollsters issuing nationwide projections shortly after based on partial counts, generally considered reliable.
Official Results: Official results start rolling in from 8 p.m., with a swift and efficient counting process ensuring winners for most seats are known by the evening’s end.
Key Party Figures in the Campaign
Far-Right National Rally Party: Led by Jordan Bardella, known for his youth, social media savvy, and promises to boost purchasing power through tax cuts and economic reforms.
Centrist ‘Together’ Alliance: Spearheaded by Gabriel Attal, France’s youngest post-war prime minister, tasked with navigating a political landscape increasingly swayed by far-right and left-wing alliances.
Left-Wing Challenges: A diverse array of parties under the New Popular Front (NFP), including prominent figures like Jean-Luc Melenchon and Raphael Glucksmann, who advocate for progressive policies and European solidarity.
