France
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Comments: a.) for Chamber 1. b.) Existing departemental boundaries are used for Chamber 2.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:36:26 UTC
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
a. The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments: a.) National level
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:36:26 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-04 16:10:45 UTC
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
a. Total population
Comments:
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:36:26 UTC
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
a. Legislature (specify chamber)
Comments: a.) Both Chamber 1 and Chamber 2.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-04 16:10:45 UTC
BD06 What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
a. Changes in number of total population
d. Changes in distribution of total population
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-04 16:10:45 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
b. Optional referendum
Comments: C:3 "National sovereignty shall belong to the people, who shall exercise it through their representatives and by means of referendum." C:11 "The President of the Republic may, on a proposal from the Government when Parliament is in session or on a joint motion of the two assemblies, published in either case in the Journal officiel, submit to a referendum any government bill which deals with the organization of the public authorities, or with reforms relating to the economic or social policy of the Nation and to the public services contributing thereto, or which provides for authorization to ratify a treaty that, although not contrary to the Constitution, would affect the functioning of the institutions. Where the referendum is held in response to a proposal by the Government, the latter shall make a statement before each assembly which shall be followed by a debate. Where the referendum decides in favour of the government bill, the President of the Republic shall promulgate it within fifteen days following the proclamation of the results of the vote." C:60 "The Constitutional Council shall ensure the proper conduct of referendum proceedings as provided for in articles 11 and 89 and in Title XV and shall declare the results of the referendum." C:72-1 "The conditions in which voters in each territorial unit may use their right of petition to ask for a matter within the powers of the unit to be entered on the agenda of its decision-making assembly shall be determined by statute. In the conditions determined by institutional Act, draft decisions or acts within the powers of a territorial unit may, on its initiative, be presented for a decision to be taken by the voters in that unit by referendum." C:72-4 "There may be no change for all or part of one of the units to which the second paragraph of article 72-3 applies, from one to another of the statuses provided for by articles 73 and 74, without the prior consent of voters in the relevant unit or part of a unit being sought in the manner provided for by the paragraph below. Such change of status shall be made by institutional Act. The President of the Republic may, on a proposal from the Government when Parliament is in session or on a joint motion of the two assemblies, published in either case in the Journal officiel, decide to consult voters in an overseas territorial unit on a question relating to its organisation, its powers or its legislative system. Where the referendum concerns a change as provided for by the foregoing paragraph and is held in response to a proposal by the Government, the Government shall make a statement before each assembly which shall be followed by a debate." C:88-5 "Any legislative proposal authorising the ratification of a Treaty pertaining to the accession of a State to the European Union and to the European Communities shall be submitted to referendum by the President of the Republic." C:88-7 "Any legislative proposal authorising the ratification of a Treaty pertaining to the accession of a State to the European Union shall be submitted to referendum by the President of the Republic." C:89 "The President of the Republic, on a proposal by the Prime Minister, and Members of Parliament alike shall have the right to initiate amendment of the Constitution. A government or a Member's bill to amend the Constitution shall be passed by the two assemblies in identical terms. The amendment shall have effect after approval by referendum. However, a government bill to amend the Constitution shall not be submitted to referendum where the President of the Republic decides to submit it to Parliament convened in Congress; the government bill to amend the Constitution shall then be approved only if it is adopted by a three-fifths majority of the votes cast. The Bureau of the Congress shall be that of the National Assembly. No amendment procedure shall be commenced or continued where the integrity of the territory is jeopardized. The republican form of government shall not be the object of an amendment."
Source: The 1958 Constitution of France, art. 3, 11, 60, 72-1, 88-5, 88-7 and 89
Last updated: 2006-11-29 16:23:37 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Ministry of Interior
b. Full Address 1 bis, Place des Saussaies, 75800 Paris
c. Telephone 0033 1 49 27 30 10
d. Facsimile 0033 1 40 07 60 01
e. Email elections@interieur.gouv.fr
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections French
Comments: The national electoral management body is part of government administration.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:33:18 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
b. Regional level
c. Local level
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:33:18 UTC
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
b. The Prime Minister
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:33:18 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:33:18 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
e. Another organ within the national government
Comments: e.) Court of Accounts.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:33:18 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
c. For an unspecified period
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:33:18 UTC
EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
e. Governmental appointment
Comments: e.) Governmental appointment (the NEMB is part of the Ministry of Interior administration).
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:33:18 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: 177,99 USD
b. Exchange rate used 1€ = 1,3244 USD
Comments: 134,39 millions of euros. 2002 nationale legislative elections. This amount includes public funding of candidates.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:33:18 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 4
Comments: in 2006
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:33:18 UTC
EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?
a. USD/registered voter 4,34
b. Exchange rate used 1€ = 1,3244 USD
Comments: 3.28 € per registred voter
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:33:18 UTC
EM11 What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?
a. Voter registration and preparation of voter lists /
b. Election Management Body administration 2,18%
c. Staff/Equipment/Supplies 41,37%
d. Security /
e. Official funding of parties and candidates 44,53%
f. Voter education 0,5%
h. Challenges, dispute resolution and legal costs /
i. Polling operations 8,56%
Comments: 2002 legislative elections. The cost of voter registration, preparation of voter lists, challenges or dispute resolutions is not taken into account in the total election expenditure.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:33:18 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
c. Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Source: Constitution, Art. 5-7
Last updated: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 08:47:16 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
c. Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: The Prime Minister is nominated by the President, but must collect a vote of confìdence in the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution Art. 8, 21 and 49
Last updated: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 08:49:41 GMT
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Source: Constitution, Art.7
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 11:30:42 GMT
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Last updated: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 13:46:17 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
d. Two-Round System
Source: Yannick Blanc, Ministry of the Interior, France, yannick.blanc(a)interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 09:02:37 GMT
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
e. Parallel (Segmented) (PR Lists and Majoritarian constituencies)
Comments: The senators are indirectly elected by electoral colleges, consisting of; Members of the National Assembly Members of Regional and Departmental Councils Delegates elected by Municipal Councils.
Source: Constitution, Art.24
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 16:01:00 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
a. d'Hondt Formula
Source: Yannick Blanc, Ministry of the Interior, France, yannick.blanc(a)interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 09:33:21 GMT
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
b. Specially delimited constituencies
Source: Electoral Act, Art.119, 124 and 125
Last updated: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 09:06:23 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
c. Regional or provincial level
Comments: c) By Department
Source: Electoral Act, Art.274 and 280
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 18:04:09 GMT
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Source: Constitution, Art.24
Last updated: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 09:15:39 GMT
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable Na
Source: Constitution, Art.24
Last updated: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 09:16:12 GMT
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Comments: Seats shall ensure the representation of the territorial entities: 296 seats for metropolitan France. 13 seats for overseas departments and territories 12 for French nationals abroad Overseas departments elect their senators just like the others. French nationals abroad elect a special electoral college called "Conseil Supérieur des Francais à l«étranger".
Source: Yannick Blanc, Ministry of the Interior, France, yannick.blanc(a)interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 15:52:28 GMT
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
e. Not applicable Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 10 Apr 2002 15:33:49 GMT
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
b. Specify the percentage:
Comments: A candidate is elected if he/she gains an absolute majority or 50% + 1 vote.
Source: Yannick Blanc, Ministry of the Interior, France, yannick.blanc(a)interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: Tue, 25 Jun 2002 08:20:44 GMT
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
a. No minimum
Comments: The senators are indirectly elected by electoral colleges, consisting of: Members of the National Assembly Members of Regional and Departmental Councils Delegates elected by Municipal Councils.
Source: Yannick Blanc, Ministry of the Interior, France, yannick.blanc(a)interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 16:00:17 GMT
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Source: Yannick Blanc, Ministry of the Interior, France, yannick.blanc(a)interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 09:21:16 GMT
ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
a. No minimum
Source: Yannick Blanc, Ministry of the Interior, France, yannick.blanc(a)interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 09:21:37 GMT
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
Comments: b) By the President of the Republic, maximum term of 5 years.
Source: Constitution, Art.12
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 18:07:09 GMT
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: a) 9 years.
Source: Yannick Blanc, Ministry of the Interior, France, yannick.blanc(a)interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 18:07:41 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-04 16:22:58 UTC
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
a. January 2000 or later
Comments: a. Last amendment: décret de simplification électorale, October, 11th 2006
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-04 16:22:58 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
b. Regional elections
c. Local elections
d. Referendums
e. Other
Comments: e.) Elections for the European Parliament.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-04 16:22:58 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Comments: a) But for those entitled to vote for the Senate elections, voting is compulsory (Electoral code, article L.318).
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Last updated: 2006-12-04 17:53:26 UTC
LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
a. National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Comments: There is no specific requirement but national elections are not usually held on the same day as regional or local elections.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-04 16:22:58 UTC
LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
a. Presidential elections are not held on the same day as national legislative elections
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-04 17:53:26 UTC
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
a. Judiciary
c. Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: a.) Administrative courts for regional, departmental and municipal elections. Le Conseil d'Etat (the Supreme Administrative Court) for European Parliament elections. c.) Le Conseil constitutionnel(the Constitutionnal court) for legislative, presidential and Senate elections.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-04 17:53:26 UTC
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
a. President
d. Legislature
Comments: The Constitutional Court consists of 9 members. 3 of its members shall be appointed by the President of the Republic, 3 by the President of the Senate and 3 by the President of the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution, Article 56 Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-04 17:53:26 UTC
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
c. Voters
e. Other
Comments: e.) The representative of the State in each department has the right to submit cases to the courts. The Ministry of Interior can submit cases to the Supreme administrative court for European parliament elections.
Source: Municipal elections: Electoral code, article L.222 Departemental elections: Electoral code, article L. 248 Regional elections: Electoral code, article L.361 European parliament elections: article 25 de la loi n°77-729 du 7 juillet 1977 Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-04 17:53:26 UTC
LF10 What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
b. Constitutional (or similar) Court
c. Superior Court
Comments: b.) Le Conseil Constitutional (the Constitutional court) for legislative, residential and Senate elections and for referendums c.) Le Conseil d'Etat (the Supreme Administrative court) for municipal, departmental and regional elections; for European parliament elections
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-04 17:53:26 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:16:58 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2006-12-05 12:58:28 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2006-12-05 12:58:28 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2006-12-05 12:58:28 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2006-12-05 12:58:28 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2006-12-05 12:58:28 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
d. Based on mixture of principles (specify)
e. As agreed by special committee
Comments: d.)The criteria for allocating free broadcast time to political parties depend on the nature of the election. For European and legislative elections, the free broadcast time is allocted to each political party depends on whether it is represented in Parliament. Electoral code, L.167-1 + loi du 7 juillet 1977 relative à l'élection des représentants au Parlement européen. For the presidential election, all candidates are allocated equal free broadcast time. e.) Le Conseil supérieur de l'audivisuel
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:16:58 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Comments: The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising
Source: Electoral code, article L.52-1
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:16:58 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2006-12-05 12:58:28 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2006-12-05 12:58:28 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2006-12-05 12:58:28 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2006-12-05 12:58:28 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
a. Yes, in presidential elections
b. Yes, in legislative elections
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:16:58 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
Last updated: 2006-12-05 12:58:28 UTC
ME62 What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
b. 2-3 days
Comments: 2 days: polling day and the eve of polling day
Source: Loi n°77-808 du 19 juillet 1977 relative à la publication et à la diffusion de certains sondages d'opinion
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:16:58 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
d. No registration required
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
d. No registration required
Comments: The senators are indirectly elected by electoral colleges, consisting of: Members of the National Assembly Members of Regional and Departmental Councils Delegates elected by Municipal Councils.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
Comments: a.) 23 years old + full possession of civil and political rights
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
Comments: a. 30 years old The senators are indirectly elected by electoral colleges, consisting of: Members of the National Assembly Members of Regional and Departmental Councils Delegates elected by Municipal Councils.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
j. Other
Comments: a.) 23 years old j.) Signature requirement: the person who runs for President has to collect 500 signatures from elected people, namely : mayors, members of regional, departemental and municipal councils, French and European MPs.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
e. Offences against electoral law
f. Holding of military office
g. Holding of government office
k. Mental health problems
n. Holding of other public offices (police etc.)
Comments: Electoral code, article L.127 et following k.) Adults under the responsability of other adults cannot be elected.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
e. Offences against electoral law
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
e. In both presidential and legislative elections
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
c. No registration requirement
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
c. No registration requirement
Comments: The senators are indirectly elected by electoral colleges, consisting of: Members of the National Assembly Members of Regional and Departmental Councils Delegates elected by Municipal Councils.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
c. No registration requirement
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct
c. Indirect
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
c. As related to the election period and between elections
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
a. Free media access
Comments: a.) free media access during the election period.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
b. Based on result of previous election
c. Based on current legislative representation
Comments: b. et c.) Loi n°88-227 du 11 mars 1988 relative à la transparence financière de la vie politique,
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
c. Unspecified
Comments: There is 2 types of public funding : 1. Direct funding of political parties. 2. Funding of electoral campaigns of party's candidates.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes
Comments: a.) Political parties are not allowed to received funds from moral persons (companies... except other political parties) or foreign sources.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
c. As related to the election period and between elections
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
a. Public disclosure of party contributions received
c. Prohibition on party funding from foreign sources
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC20 Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
a. Public disclosure of candidate contributions received
b. Public disclosure of candidate expenditure
c. Prohibition on candidate funding from foreign sources
e. Ceilings on candidate election expenses
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
PC21 Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
b. Regulated body specially created for this purpose
Comments: b.) La Commission nationale des comptes de campagne et des financements politiques
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:13:05 UTC
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
e. Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote)
g. Different ballots used in different constituencies
Comments: "Multi-ballot": each party or candidate has its/his/her own ballot.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
b. Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
g. Different ballots used in different constituencies
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
b. Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
e. Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote)
f. Same ballot papers used nation-wide
l. No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
a. Separate ballots for different elections
b. Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box
c. Tally of voters who voted
d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters
f. Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud
i. Tallying by party representative and/or observers as votes are being called out
j. Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate
l. Counted by hand
o. Data fed into computer for calculation
p. Copies of results of the count are publicly posted at the counting site immediately on the completion of the count
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
c. District level
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
c. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: Each constituency has one seat.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
b. By telephone
c. By fax
f. By computer
Comments: c.) for overseas departments or "collectivities"
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
f. Certificate of result
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
c. Signatures on sealed envelopes
h. Accompanied by police or other security personnel
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
c. Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions
d. By request
e. Court order
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
a. Closeness of results
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
b. An individual candidate
c. Election officials
Last updated: Wed, 10 Apr 2002 18:36:10 GMT
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
c. Local Election Management body
h. Courts
Comments: c.) Electoral Commission chaired by a judge in each department.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC15 Are preliminary results announced?
a. Yes
Comments: a.) Only after the closing of all the polling stations. Electoral code, art. L.52-2.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
Comments: Immediately after, in each polling station and each town hall.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC17 Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
a. Yes
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
VC18 How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
a. hours:
Comments: Maximum 24 hours.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:31:51 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
d. National Government
f. Local Governments
g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations
h. Political parties/ candidates
i. Media
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:38:38 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
a. Continuously
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:38:38 UTC
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
e. Yes, conducted by the Government
h. Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:38:38 UTC
VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
g. Internet
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:38:38 UTC
VE05 What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
g. Internet
h. Handouts (printed material)
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:38:38 UTC
Voting Operations
VO01 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
a. 91-100%
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:22:45 UTC
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
b. No
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:22:45 UTC
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
h. By proxy
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:22:45 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:22:45 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
b. Consulates
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:22:45 UTC
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
b. Yes
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:22:45 UTC
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
a. At special advance polling centers
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:22:45 UTC
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
f. Other
Comments: e.) Citizens residing in Polynésie française, Electoral code, article L. 197 The Parliament is currently discussing a bill authorizing citizens residing in the American continent or in French overseas departments or "collectivities" situated in the Atlantic Ocean to vote on Saturday.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:33:52 UTC
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:22:45 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 1000
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:22:45 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
g. Other
Comments: g.) By choosing a ballot paper. One ballot for each candidate or one ballot for each list.
Source: Yannick Blanc, Ministry of the Interior, France, yannick.blanc(a)interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:22:45 UTC
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 4
b. The largest polling station: 4
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 10:22:45 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Comments: a. Electoral code, article L.2
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:53:42 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
Comments: Electoral code, article L.2
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:53:42 UTC
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
b. Previous Conviction
d. Mental disability
Comments: b)"Specific convictions"; which means that you should be deprived of your right to vote and to be elected only as a side punishment to a conviction for certain kinds of felony in matters like electoral fraud, fiscal fraud and misuse of public resources. d. Adults who are under the responsability of other adults (= who are not considered fully responsible for their acts) cannot vote unless they have received a special authorization from the courts (Electoral code, article L.5).
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:53:42 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
c. Local Government Authority
Comments: c. Electoral code, article L.5
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:53:42 UTC
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
b. Voters register
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:53:42 UTC
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
b. Annually
Comments: Electoral code, article R.5
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:53:42 UTC
VR07 What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
d. Registration by mail
e. Appearance by voter at registration office
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2006-12-05 09:53:42 UTC
May 20, 2008 07:19 AM
