Presidential Elections: Two-Round System

The presidential election stands as the Fifth Republic's central democratic moment, when citizens directly choose their head of state through a distinctive two-round process.

Electoral Calendar and Eligibility

Timing: Elections occur every five years, with specific dates set by the government after Constitutional Council consultation.

Eligibility Requirements: - French citizenship - Minimum age of 18 - Fulfillment of military service obligations - Moral worthiness (no serious criminal convictions)

Signature Requirement: Candidates must obtain 500 signatures from elected officials (mayors, parliamentarians, etc.) representing at least 30 different departments. This requirement, intended to ensure serious candidacies, has become controversial for limiting access.

The Two-Round System

France's majority runoff system operates simply but with profound effects:

First Round: All qualified candidates compete. If any candidate wins an absolute majority (over 50%), they're elected immediately—though this has never occurred.

Second Round: The top two candidates face off two weeks later. This ensures the winner has explicit majority support, enhancing legitimacy.

Campaign Dynamics

The two-round system creates unique campaign dynamics:

First Round Strategies: Candidates must mobilize their base while avoiding positions that alienate potential second-round supporters. This produces a delicate balance between differentiation and broad appeal.

Entre-Deux-Tours: The two weeks between rounds see intense negotiations as eliminated candidates endorse finalists and their supporters are courted. These "republican front" dynamics can determine outcomes.

Media Coverage: Strict equality rules govern media time in the official campaign period, though pre-campaign coverage remains less regulated.

How It Works: The Presidential Election Process

Step 1: Pre-Campaign (Months before) - Potential candidates build support and test messages - Media speculation intensifies about candidacies - Party primaries or designation processes occur

Step 2: Official Candidacies (6-8 weeks before) - Candidates gather 500 signatures from elected officials - Constitutional Council validates candidacies - Official campaign period begins with strict spending limits

Step 3: First Round Campaign (2 weeks) - Equal media time for all candidates - Official posters displayed on designated boards - Televised debates (though not mandatory) - Campaign rallies and events nationwide

Step 4: First Round Voting (Sunday) - Polls open 8 AM to 6-8 PM (later in cities) - Exit polls released at 8 PM - Official results announced overnight

Step 5: Second Round Campaign (2 weeks) - Only two candidates remain - Defeated candidates announce endorsements - Usually one major television debate - Intensified media coverage

Step 6: Second Round Voting (Sunday) - Higher turnout typically than first round - Winner must obtain absolute majority - Results known by evening

Step 7: Transition (Within 2 weeks) - Constitutional Council proclaims official results - Inauguration ceremony at Élysée Palace - New President assumes office immediately