Different Election Types and Their Rules

France conducts multiple types of elections, each with distinct rules reflecting different democratic objectives:

National Elections

Presidential Elections: As explored in Chapter 2, the two-round system ensures majority legitimacy for the head of state. The 500-signature requirement from elected officials creates a filter ensuring serious candidacies while potentially limiting outsider access.

Legislative Elections: The 577 National Assembly deputies are elected through two-round single-member constituencies: - First round: Candidates need 50% of votes and 25% of registered voters for direct election - Second round: Candidates with 12.5% of registered voters advance; highest vote wins - Creates strong constituency-representative links but can produce disproportionate results

Senatorial Elections: Indirect election by approximately 162,000 grand electors reflects territorial representation: - Electoral college dominated by municipal councilors - Mix of majoritarian (1-3 senators) and proportional (4+ senators) systems - Six-year terms with half renewed every three years

European Elections

European Parliament: France's 79 MEPs are elected through proportional representation: - Single national constituency since 2019 - 5% threshold for representation - Closed list system with parties determining candidate order - Stark contrast to domestic majoritarian elections

Local Elections

Municipal Elections: Complex system varies by municipality size: - Under 1,000 inhabitants: Majoritarian with panachage (voters can mix lists) - Over 1,000: Two-round list system with majority prime - Winning list receives 50% of seats plus proportional share of remainder - Ensures both clear majorities and minority representation

Departmental Elections: Unique "binomial" system since 2015: - Two-person tickets (one man, one woman) per canton - Two-round majority system - Enforces gender parity while maintaining territorial representation

Regional Elections: Two-round proportional system with majority bonus: - Lists need 10% first round to continue - Can merge between rounds if over 5% - Winning list gets 25% of seats plus proportional share - Balances proportionality with governing stability

Special Elections

Referendums: Two types with different procedures: - Constitutional (Article 89): Requires parliamentary approval first - Legislative (Article 11): Direct presidential initiative on specific topics - Simple majority decides; no quorum requirements

Primary Elections: Not constitutionally regulated but increasingly important: - Party-organized with varying rules - Open or closed to party members - No state funding or formal oversight