Candidates for the legislative elections must be at least 18 years old, be voters, and be eligible. Following the submission of applications, the prefectural services of Haute-Marne examine each declaration to verify its compliance with the electoral code and the eligibility of the candidates.
In the Haute-Marne department, the elections are divided into two constituencies, encompassing 561 polling stations. A total of 9 candidates are contesting, representing 128,534 potential voters. The results of the first round of legislative elections in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and throughout France will be available on June 30 from 8 p.m.
In the 1st constituency of Haute-Marne, the cities of Chaumont, Nogent, and Langres are particularly involved. The five candidates include Mr. Sylvain Demay (Far left), Mr. Baptiste Gallet (Miscellaneous), Mr. Benjamin Lambert (New Popular Front), Mr. Christophe Bentz (National Rally), and Mrs. Bérangère Abba (Together!). The outgoing MP is Christophe Bentz.
In the 2nd constituency of Haute-Marne, the cities of Saint-Dizier, Joinville, and Wassy are particularly involved. The four candidates are Ms. Ingrid Viot (New Popular Front), Mr. Justin Prum (Far Left), Mr. Nicolas Lacroix (Various right), and Ms. Laurence Robert-Dehault (National Rally). The outgoing MP is Laurence Robert-Dehault.
Meanwhile, the Territoire de Belfort has its own share of electoral drama. Guillaume Bigot, a former editorialist for CNews and now a candidate for the “union of rights” under the National Rally, faced criticism for his lack of local knowledge during a debate organized by France 3 Franche-Comté. Opponents questioned his commitment and understanding of the local issues, pointing out his Parisian origins.
Guillaume Bigot defended his candidacy by stating that he voluntarily chose the Territoire de Belfort and that one can represent the area without being a native. Despite his efforts to defuse the controversy, his opponents remained skeptical, emphasizing their long-term residence and deep understanding of the local community.
The National Rally has a significant presence in the Territoire de Belfort, having won 36.85% of the vote in the last European elections. In the 2022 legislative elections, the National Rally candidate Sophie Carnicier narrowly lost to the Insoumis candidate Florian Chauche. Christophe Soustelle, the RN departmental delegate, expressed support for Guillaume Bigot, highlighting the intellectual depth he would bring to the party in the territory.
- Applicants had to come forward and submit their official file to their prefectures before June 16, 2024, at 6 p.m. sharp. The Ministry of the Interior officially published these applications on June 18, 2024, after their examination and validation by order.
- During the debate, Guillaume Bigot attempted to mitigate the criticism by pointing out that his opponent, Didier Vallverdu, also did not originate from the Territoire de Belfort. However, Vallverdu countered by emphasizing his 27-year residence in the area.
- Guillaume Bigot admitted that he would 'never have stood in local elections,' noting that legislative elections are a national event. Despite this, he struggled to convince his adversaries of his genuine commitment to the constituency, with questions about his knowledge of local associations and municipalities.
