Historic Legislative Elections in France
The second round of the legislative elections in France took place yesterday, marking a significant event in the country's political landscape. With voters casting their ballots both overseas and in mainland France, the participation rate was notably high. In regions like Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Guadeloupe, and Martinique, midday participation was stable compared to the first round and higher than during the 2022 elections.
Record Participation and Proxies
According to the latest polls, 68% of registered voters were expected to participate in the second round, an increase from the previous week. This high turnout has resulted in a substantial number of triangular races and a lower qualification threshold for the second round. Notably, over 3.2 million proxies were registered before the second round, a figure four times higher than in the 2022 elections. This surge in proxies reflects a renewed interest among voters and the impact of the tightened election timetable, which falls during the summer vacation period.
Increased Engagement Among French Abroad and on Social Media
The participation of French expatriates also saw a significant rise, with 460,000 voting online for the second round, up from 250,000 in 2022. This record online voting was complemented by those who voted directly at consulates. Additionally, political discussions on social media have surged, with over 23 million publications about the legislative elections since June 9. This online engagement has likely contributed to the increased participation of young voters, with 57% of those under 25 going to the polls, a dramatic rise compared to previous years.
- The legislative elections in France are set to redefine the political landscape, with the National Assembly's 577 new deputies poised to shape the country's future. The intense campaign period between the two rounds saw more than 200 withdrawals between the central bloc and the New Popular Front to block the National Rally.
- The heightened interest in these elections is also evident in the increased use of proxies and the significant rise in participation among French expatriates. The Ministry of the Interior reported that 3.2 million proxies were registered, a figure that underscores the voters' commitment despite the elections being held during the vacation period.
- Social media has played a crucial role in driving political engagement, with millions of publications related to the elections. This digital discourse has not only kept the elections at the forefront of public debate but has also encouraged higher voter turnout, especially among younger demographics.
