The first round of legislative elections began this Saturday overseas with the opening of the first polling stations at 8 a.m. (12 p.m. in mainland France) in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.
The first round of legislative elections began this Saturday, June 29 in France, with the opening of the first polling stations at 8 a.m. (12 p.m. in mainland France) in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, according to the prefecture of this overseas collectivity in the North Atlantic.
Voters from Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyana, French Polynesia and those residing on the American continent will also go to the polls this Saturday. In New Caledonia, voting will begin at 10 p.m. Paris time.
Towards record participation?
For the majority of voters, those established in mainland France, the polling stations will open on Sunday at 8 a.m. These legislative elections are among the most closely watched in France’s recent history, with the country hanging on the possibility of the National Rally coming to power after the second round on July 7.
Expectations are high regarding voter turnout. Pollsters and politicians anticipate a strong turnout compared to the 2022 legislative elections, where only 47.51% of voters voted. This time, turnout could reach, or even exceed, two-thirds of registered voters.
This renewed interest is partly explained by the potentially historic consequences of this election, which, for the first time since 1997, does not coincide with the presidential election. The country is waiting, while these elections could mark a major turning point in French political life.
