French Guiana
- 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. The French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion) elects candidates to the French Senate and House of Representatives. The overseas departments follow the same rules as the metropole regarding the organization of the elections. They do however enjoy certain specificities concerning electoral expenditure : certain travel expenses of the candidates are not taken into account in the ceiling of candidates' election expenses (article L.52-12 of the electoral code). Besides, the French Parliament is discussing a bill which would allow elections to be held on Saturday in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guiana (because of the time lag, people from these departments knew the results of the elections in the metropole before they voted).
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-14 16:18:27 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: 2007-01-10 09:44:01 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: 2007-01-10 09:44:01 UTC
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
a. Total population
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-10 09:44:01 UTC
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
a. Legislature (specify chamber)
Comments: Both chambers
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-10 09:44:01 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: 2007-01-10 09:44:01 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:29:15 UTC
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: 2007-01-10 10:29:15 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:29:15 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:29:15 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:29:15 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:29:15 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:29:15 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:29:15 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:29:15 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:29:15 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:29:15 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:29:15 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:29:15 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:29:15 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
Comments: The French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion) elects candidates to the French Senate and House of Representatives. The overseas departments follow the same rules as the metropole regarding the organization of the elections. They do however enjoy certain specificities concerning electoral expenditure : certain travel expenses of the candidates are not taken into account in the ceiling of candidates' election expenses (article L.52-12 of the electoral code). Besides, the French Parliament is discussing a bill which would allow elections to be held on Saturday in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guiana (because of the time lag, people from these departments knew the results of the elections in the metropole before they voted).
Last updated: 2007-01-14 16:15:54 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: 2007-01-10 08:49:34 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: 2007-01-10 08:49:34 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: 2007-01-10 08:49:34 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: 2007-01-10 08:49:34 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Last updated: 2007-01-10 08:49:34 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
Last updated: 2007-01-10 08:49:34 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
Last updated: 2007-01-14 16:18:41 UTC
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
Comments: The French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion) elects candidates to the French Senate and House of Representatives. The overseas departments follow the same rules as the metropole regarding the organization of the elections. They do however enjoy certain specificities concerning electoral expenditure : certain travel expenses of the candidates are not taken into account in the ceiling of candidates' election expenses (article L.52-12 of the electoral code). Besides, the French Parliament is discussing a bill which would allow elections to be held on Saturday in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guiana (because of the time lag, people from these departments knew the results of the elections in the metropole before they voted).
Source: Anne Renault, Department of elections and political studies, Ministry of Interior, France
Last updated: 2007-01-14 16:19:05 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
b. Regional elections
c. Local elections
d. Referendums
e. Other
Source: Anne Renault, Department of elections and political studies, Ministry of Interior, France
Last updated: 2007-01-14 16:19:05 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Source: International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Last updated: 2006-11-21 18:51:57 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: Anne Renault, Department of elections and political studies, Ministry of Interior, France
Last updated: 2007-01-14 16:19:05 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
c. Organisation: Elections Office, Ministry of Interior
d. Contact Address: 1 bis, place des Saussaies 75 008 PARIS
e. Telephone: 0033 1 40 07 60 01
f. Facsimile: 0033 1 40 07 60 01
g. Email: elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:19:34 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:15:07 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: 2007-01-10 10:15:07 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: 2007-01-10 10:15:07 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:15:07 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:15:07 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: 2007-01-14 16:12:37 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: 2007-01-14 16:02:37 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:15:07 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:15:07 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:15:07 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: 2007-01-10 10:15:07 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: 2007-01-14 16:12:37 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:15:07 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: 2007-01-14 16:12:37 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
d. No registration required
Comments: The French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion) elects candidates to the French Senate and House of Representatives. The overseas departments follow the same rules as the metropole regarding the organization of the elections. They do however enjoy certain specificities concerning electoral expenditure : certain travel expenses of the candidates are not taken into account in the ceiling of candidates' election expenses (article L.52-12 of the electoral code). Besides, the French Parliament is discussing a bill which would allow elections to be held on Saturday in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guiana (because of the time lag, people from these departments knew the results of the elections in the metropole before they voted).
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-14 16:17:33 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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: 2007-01-14 16:17:33 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: k.) Adults under the responsability of other adults cannot be elected.
Source: Electoral code, article L.127 and following
Last updated: 2007-01-14 16:17:33 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 UTC
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
c. No registration requirement
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 UTC
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
a. Free media access
Comments: Free media access during the election period.
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
b. Based on result of previous election
c. Based on current legislative representation
Source: Loi n°88-227 du 11 mars 1988 relative à la transparence financière de la vie politique,
Last updated: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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: 2007-01-10 09:56:40 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. The French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion) elects candidates to the French Senate and House of Representatives. The overseas departments follow the same rules as the metropole regarding the organization of the elections. They do however enjoy certain specificities concerning electoral expenditure : certain travel expenses of the candidates are not taken into account in the ceiling of candidates' election expenses (article L.52-12 of the electoral code). Besides, the French Parliament is discussing a bill which would allow elections to be held on Saturday in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guiana (because of the time lag, people from these departments knew the results of the elections in the metropole before they voted).
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-14 16:16:27 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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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:
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 UTC
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
b. An individual candidate
c. Election officials
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 UTC
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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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: 2007-01-10 10:13:24 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
Comments: The French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion) elects candidates to the French Senate and House of Representatives. The overseas departments follow the same rules as the metropole regarding the organization of the elections. They do however enjoy certain specificities concerning electoral expenditure : certain travel expenses of the candidates are not taken into account in the ceiling of candidates' election expenses (article L.52-12 of the electoral code). Besides, the French Parliament is discussing a bill which would allow elections to be held on Saturday in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guiana (because of the time lag, people from these departments knew the results of the elections in the metropole before they voted).
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-14 16:17:09 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: 2007-01-10 09:49:31 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: 2007-01-10 09:49:31 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: 2007-01-10 09:49:31 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: 2007-01-10 09:49:31 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%
Comments: The French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion) elects candidates to the French Senate and House of Representatives. The overseas departments follow the same rules as the metropole regarding the organization of the elections. They do however enjoy certain specificities concerning electoral expenditure : certain travel expenses of the candidates are not taken into account in the ceiling of candidates' election expenses (article L.52-12 of the electoral code). Besides, the French Parliament is discussing a bill which would allow elections to be held on Saturday in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guiana (because of the time lag, people from these departments knew the results of the elections in the metropole before they voted).
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-14 16:18:11 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: 2007-01-10 10:08:34 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: 2007-01-10 10:08:34 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: 2007-01-10 10:08:34 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: 2007-01-10 10:08:34 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: 2007-01-10 10:08:34 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: 2007-01-10 10:08:34 UTC
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
f. Other
Comments: f.) Citizens residing in French Polynesia, 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: 2007-01-10 10:08:34 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: 2007-01-10 10:08:34 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 1000
Comments: Yes, the maximum capacity is 1000
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:08:34 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: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-10 10:08:34 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: 2007-01-10 10:08:34 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Comments: 18. The French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion) elects candidates to the French Senate and House of Representatives. The overseas departments follow the same rules as the metropole regarding the organization of the elections. They do however enjoy certain specificities concerning electoral expenditure : certain travel expenses of the candidates are not taken into account in the ceiling of candidates' election expenses (article L.52-12 of the electoral code). Besides, the French Parliament is discussing a bill which would allow elections to be held on Saturday in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guiana (because of the time lag, people from these departments knew the results of the elections in the metropole before they voted).
Source: Electoral code, art. L.2
Last updated: 2007-01-14 16:17:57 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, elections@interieur.gouv.fr
Last updated: 2007-01-10 09:47:36 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: Electoral code, article L.5
Last updated: 2007-01-10 09:47:36 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
c. Local Government Authority
Source: Electoral code, article L.5
Last updated: 2007-01-10 09:47:36 UTC
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
b. Voters register
Source: Electoral code, article L.5
Last updated: 2007-01-10 09:47:36 UTC
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
b. Annually
Source: Electoral code, article L.5
Last updated: 2007-01-10 09:47:36 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: 2007-01-10 09:47:36 UTC
May 20, 2008 07:19 AM
