Voters Head to the Polls in France

On Sunday, voters in France will head to the polls for the final round of snap legislative elections. The outcome could potentially lead to President Emmanuel Macron having to collaborate with far-right opponents or could bring about prolonged political instability just weeks before the Paris Summer Olympics.

Risky Move by Macron

President Macron called for the elections for the 577-seat National Assembly, France’s lower and more influential house of Parliament, last month. This move was seen as a risky gamble, which seemed to have mostly backfired after the initial round of voting last week.

Key Times and Results

Most polling stations will close at 6 p.m. local time on Sunday, with larger cities closing as late as 8 p.m. Nationwide seat projections by polling institutes, based on preliminary results, are expected shortly after 8 p.m. Official results will then be released gradually throughout the night.

Key Questions

• Will the far right secure an absolute majority?
• The dominant performance of the nationalist, anti-immigration National Rally party in the first round raises this important question. An alliance of left-wing parties known as the New Popular Front emerged as strong contenders, while President Macron’s party and its allies came in third place.
• Seventy-six seats were won outright, with roughly half going to the National Rally. The remainder will be decided in the runoffs.
• Over 300 districts were three-way races until candidates from left-wing parties and Macron’s centrist coalition withdrew from over 200 races to prevent the far right from winning by vote splitting.