Unprecedented Voter Turnout in France: 2023 Legislative Elections Mark Highest Participation Since 1986

In France, the first day of legislative elections saw unprecedented voter turnout, with 59.4% of eligible voters casting their ballots by 5 pm. This represented a significant increase from the same period in 2022 and was last seen in the 1986 legislative elections when midday turnout was 63.6%. The trend towards higher participation continued throughout the evening, with preliminary results indicating that by 8 pm, the estimated turnout for the first round was 69.5%, marking the highest since 1981.

While voting rates are typically lower abroad, there has been notable participation in French overseas territories such as Guadeloupe and Guyana. Preliminary results show leading candidates in these regions, while in Polynesia, a candidate has already declared victory. Prominent figures in French politics, including President Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen, have also cast their votes in the first round.

The upcoming second round of voting is highly contentious, with polls indicating that the far-right Rassemblement National led by Le Pen could win a majority in the 577-member National Assembly. Macron has called a government meeting to discuss next steps following this potential outcome. The possibility of the far right gaining power has sparked concern and calls for mobilization against extremism.

The campaign leading up to the elections revealed two contrasting trends: hope for change among left-wing supporters and Rassemblement National supporters, as well as increased fear and polarization fueled by far-right and far-left parties. Macron’s decision to hold early elections following the RN’s victory in European Parliament elections heightened uncertainty in France and Europe at large.

Despite efforts to present voters with a critical choice for the country’s future, Macron may have underestimated the popularity of far-right groups. The potential for an Rassemblement National majority raises concerns about France’s future direction and its impact on society as a whole. The campaign has seen increased hate speech and intolerance, reflecting a larger societal shift towards polarization and extremist views.

In summary, France’s legislative elections saw unprecedented voter turnout on its first day, with estimates indicating an estimated turnout of 69.5% at 8 pm on Sunday night – marking a significant increase from previous years.