There is a lot of interest in France for the eagerly awaited second round of early parliamentary elections. According to official information, more than 26.6 percent of eligible voters had cast their votes by midday. This is the highest participation since 1981.
In the first round last Sunday, 25.90 percent of eligible voters had cast their votes by 12:00 noon.
Right-wing populists for an absolute majority?
The right-wing populist Rassemblement National (RN) party, which emerged as the strongest force in the first round, could win the election. However, it is uncertain whether the RN will gain an absolute majority. The first forecasts are expected at around 8 p.m.
If the RN does not obtain an absolute majority, it is likely that three blocs will be formed in the National Assembly, which could paralyze the government and plunge the country into a political crisis.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for new elections after the RN victory in the European elections on June 9.
Bardella new head of government?
If the right-wing populists win an absolute majority in parliament after Sunday’s elections, he could be forced to appoint their party leader Jordan Bardella as head of government.
Since 76 mandates had already been awarded in the first round on June 30, only voters in the remaining 501 constituencies will be invited to cast their votes. All candidates who received the votes of at least 12.5 percent of registered voters in the first round will be allowed to participate in the second election.
The RN and its allies won 33 percent of the vote in the first round. The left-green electoral alliance New Popular Front came in second with 28 percent, followed by the government camp with around 20 percent. Recent opinion polls have suggested that the gap between the three blocs could be narrowing.
577 seats needed
The tactical withdrawal of over two hundred candidates from the New Popular Front and from the government camp after the first round of elections has made an absolute majority for the RN somewhat less likely. However, it is impossible to estimate how many voters will actually follow the election recommendations of the candidates who withdrew to thwart RN candidates.
The decisive factor for the election result is not the share of the total number of votes, but the number of constituencies won. For an absolute majority, 289 of the 577 seats are needed.
Already elected in overseas territories
The French had already cast their votes on Saturday in the French overseas territories of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon off the eastern coast of Canada. Voting also took place on Saturday in the Caribbean regions of Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guyana, as well as in French Polynesia.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
