How is voting done in France?
The French people go to the polls: if no candidate wins over 50% of the vote, a second round is organized. Only the two candidates with the most votes qualify for the 2nd round. The candidate with the absolute majority of votes cast is elected. Blank or spoilt votes are not taken into account.
What kind of elections does France have?
Electoral system In all elections where there is a single official to be elected for a given area, including the two major national elections (the election of the President of the Republic and the election of the members of the National Assembly), two-round runoff voting is used.
How often are French presidential elections?
Currently they are held once every five years (formerly seven). They are always held on Sundays. Since 1965 the president has been elected by direct popular vote.
When was the 2012 French presidential election held?
The 2012 French presidential election was held in France on 22 April 2012 (or 21 April in some overseas departments and territories), with a second round run-off held on 6 May (or 5 May for those same territories) to elect the President of France (who is also ex officio one of the two joint heads of state of Andorra, a sovereign state).
How many constituencies are there in the French election?
Of the 577 constituencies, 539 are in metropolitan France, 27 are in overseas departments and territories and 11 are for French citizens living abroad. Primary elections, within registered political parties, are used to select presidential candidates for the general election.
When are regional elections held in France?
Regional elections have been held since 1986 to elect regional councillors and regional presidents: all elected to serve 6-year terms. Elections for the French delegation to the European parliament are held every five years.
How is the president of France elected?
Elections in France. The president is elected for a five-year term (previously, seven years), directly by the citizens. The Parliament ( Parlement) has two chambers . The National Assembly ( Assemblée Nationale) has 577 members, elected for a five-year term in single seat- constituencies directly by the citizens.