The French legislative elections are currently underway, with voter turnout reaching a high of 25.09% at midday, according to the Ministry of the Interior. This is the highest figure in several decades and a significant increase compared to previous years. In 2017, only 19.24% of the electorate had voted by that time, and two years ago, participation was even lower at 18.43%.
The last election with a similar turnout at the same time was in 1997, when there was a turnout of 22.74%. Current voting intention polls suggest that participation could reach 64-66%, indicating increased interest among French citizens in the democratic process.
Election day is progressing smoothly, with most of the main political leaders having already cast their votes. Leaders from various parties, including leftist, far-right, and conservative factions, have all participated in the voting process. Notable figures such as current Prime Minister François Hollande and former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe have also voted in their respective districts. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Group, has also cast her ballot without making any statements to the press as is customary in French elections.
President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte were among the latecomers to vote but did so quietly without any publicity or fanfare as they cast their ballots in The Touquet coastal town while being observed by neighbors and onlookers but no statements were made by any candidate present. Overall, this year’s first round has seen an impressive increase in voter turnout compared to previous years indicating a strong interest among French citizens towards democracy and political processes.
In conclusion, France’s first round of legislative elections has seen an unprecedented level of voter turnout for many decades due to increased interest among French citizens towards democracy and political processes. With two years remaining until the final results are announced it remains to be seen how much more participation will increase before then but one thing is certain: France’s democratic process is gaining strength each year as more citizens become engaged in shaping their country’s future.
