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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: a) Constituencies are delimited for elections to the National Assembly (Chamber 1);
b) Existing boundaries are used for elections to the Senate (Chamber 2)
Source: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do?dateTexte=20200617&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&fastReqId=1519448241&fastPos=1&oldAction=rechCodeArticle
Verified: 2020/06/17
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
c . The Electoral Management Body
Comments: a) National level
Source: Constitution, Art. 24, 25
Verified: 2020/06/17
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population b . Respecting natural barriers d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries g . Other
Comments: a) Boundaries are drawn according to demographic change, based on the results of the general census.
Source: Electoral code, Art. L125
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do?dateTexte=20200617&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&fastReqId=1519448241&fastPos=1&oldAction=rechCodeArticle
Verified: 2020/06/17
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
a . Total population
Comments: a) Boundaries are drawn according to demographic change, based on the results of the general census.
Source: Electoral code, Art. L125
Verified: 2012/05/02
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: Art. 25
An independent commission, whose composition and rules of organization and operation shall be set down by statute, shall publicly express an opinion on the Government and Private Members' Bills defining the constituencies for the election of Members of the National Assembly, or modifying the distribution of the seats of Members of the National Assembly or of Senators.
Source: Constitution, Art. 25
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/06/17
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
a . Changes in number of total population
Comments: Electoral constituency boundaries are drawn according to demographic change, based on the results of the general census.
Source: Electoral code, Art. L124, L125
Verified: 2012/05/02
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 6, 7
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/06/20
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The President of the Republic shall appoint the Prime Minister. He shall terminate the appointment of the Prime Minister when the latter tenders the resignation of the Government.
Source: Constitution, Art. 8
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/06/20
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Art 5.
The President of the Republic shall ensure due respect for the Constitution. He shall ensure, by his arbitration, the proper functioning of the public authorities and the continuity of the State.
He shall be the guarantor of national independence, territorial integrity and due respect for Treaties.
Source: Constitution, Art. 5 - 19
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/06/20
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Parliament consists of the National Assembly and the Senate.
Source: Constitution, Art. 24
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/06/20
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
d . Two-Round System
Comments: Art L123.
Deputies are elected by first-past-the-post system in two rounds.
Source: Electoral code, Art. L123
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=9B64B63FCBA694B62F4DC7D7DCC0F066.tplgfr23s_1?idSectionTA=LEGISCTA000006148464&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/20
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
e . Parallel (Segmented) (PR Lists and Majoritarian constituencies)
Comments: e) In departments where maximum three senators are elected, the election shall be by majority vote in two rounds. In departments where at least four senators are elected, elections are held under proportional representation according to the rule of the highest average.
Source: Electoral code, Art. L294, L295
Verified: 2012/05/02
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
a . d'Hondt Formula
Comments:
Source: Electoral code, Art. L295
Verified: 2012/05/02
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
b . Specially delimited constituencies
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. 119, 124, 125
Verified: 2012/05/02
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
c . Regional or provincial level
Comments: c) By Departments
Source: Electoral Code, Art. 274, 279
Verified: 2012/05/02
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 24
Verified: 2012/05/02
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. 274, 279
Verified: 2012/05/02
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: b) An absolute majority and a number of votes equal to 1/4 of registered voters is required in order for a party to win the first round. A party can participate in the second round only if it has obtained a number of votes equal to at least 12.5% of registered voters.
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L126
Verified: 2012/05/02
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: a) In departments where maximum three senators are elected, candidates must obtain the absolute majority of votes and a number of votes equal to 1/4 of registered voters. In departments where at least four senators are elected, elections are held under proportional representation according to the rule of the highest average.
Source: Electoral code, Art. L294, L295
Verified: 2012/05/02
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: b) An absolute majority and a number of votes equal to 1/4 of registered voters is required in order for a party to win the first round. A party can participate in the second round only if it has obtained a number of votes equal to at least 12.5% of registered voters.
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L126
Verified: 2012/05/02
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: b) In departments where maximum three senators are elected, candidates must obtain the absolute majority of votes and a number of votes equal to 1/4 of registered voters. In departments where at least four senators are elected, elections are held under proportional representation according to the rule of the highest average.
Source: Electoral code, Art. L294, L295
Verified: 2012/05/02
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length) b . Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom) c . On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
Comments: a) Every 5 years
b) By the President of the Republic, maximum term of 5 years
c) On a Sunday
Source: a) Constitution, Art. 12
b) Electoral Code, Art. LO121, LO122
c) Electoral Code, Art. L55
Verified: 2012/05/02
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length) c . On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
Comments: a) Every 6 years
c) On a Sunday
Source: a) Electoral Code, Art. LO275
c) Electoral Code, Art. L311
Verified: 2012/05/02
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments: a) On a Sunday. In case there is a second round, elections shall be held the Sunday following the first round.
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L54, L55, L56
Verified: 2012/05/02
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments: a) On a Sunday
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L311
Verified: 2012/05/02
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: Constitution Art.20-32: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Electoral Code: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=F68B3CF06BA941E48270531A7F396845.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/21
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments: a) 19 March 2012
Source: Electoral Code: http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=7BB203B18DD2790D67080E8679D7CA39.tpdjo13v_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20120502 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/02
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections d . Referendums e . Other
Comments: e) Elections for the European Parliament
Source: Electoral Code;https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=F68B3CF06BA941E48270531A7F396845.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Constitution; https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Law No. 77-729 of 7 July 1977 on the election of representatives to the European Parliament;
General Local Authorities Code, Art. LO1112 - LO1112-7
Verified: 2020/06/21
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: a) But for those entitled to vote for the Senate (Chamber 2), voting is compulsory (Electoral code, Art. L.318)
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L2, L318
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=F68B3CF06BA941E48270531A7F396845.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/21
LF005
Question: 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?
Answer:
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, [email protected]
Verified: 2012/05/02
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Presidential elections are not held on the same day as national legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, [email protected]
Verified: 2012/05/02
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary c . Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: a) Administrative Courts of First Instance for regional and municipal elections;
b) The Supreme Administrative Court for European Parliament elections;
c) The Constitutional Court for legislative, presidential and Senate elections.
Source: a) Electoral Code, Art. L222, L248, L461; https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=F68B3CF06BA941E48270531A7F396845.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
b) Law No. 77-729 of 7 July 1977 on the election of representatives to the European Parliament, Art. 25;
c) Electoral Code, Art. LO179; Decree 58-1067 of 7 November 1958 on the Constitutional Court, Art. 33; Constitution, Art. 58, 59
Verified: 2020/06/21
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2012/05/02
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates c . Voters e . Other
Comments: c) Registered voters
e) Members of the City Council;
The Ministry of Interior can submit cases to the Supreme administrative court for European parliament elections.
Source: Municipal and regional elections: Electoral code, Art. L222, L248, L361;
European parliament elections: Law No. 77-729 of 7 July 1977 on the election of representatives to the European Parliament, Art. 25;
Legislative ans Senate elections: Electoral Code, Art. LO179; Decree 58-1067 of 7 November 1958 on the Constitutional Court, Art. 33
Verified: 2012/05/02
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . Constitutional (or similar) Court c . Superior Court
Comments: b) The Constitutional court for legislative, presidential and Senate elections and for referendums
c) The Supreme Administrative Court for municipal, departmental and regional elections, as well as for European Parliament elections
Source: b) Electoral Code, Art. LO179; Decree 58-1067 of 7 November 1958 on the Constitutional Court; Constitution, Art. 58, 59
c) Law No. 77-729 of 7 July 1977 on the election of representatives to the European Parliament, Art. 25; Electoral Code, Art. L223, L224, L249, L361
Verified: 2012/05/02
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
b . Legislative Committee c . Government
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 24, 25
Verified: 2012/05/02
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level d . Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: d) Elections to the European Parliament
Source: Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://www.interieur.gouv.fr (2017);
Official Website of the Constitutional Court: http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/francais/le-conseil-constitutionnel/presentation-generale/presentation-generale.206.html (2017);
Constitution, Art. 58, 60 https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/06/21
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
b . The Prime Minister c . The legislature
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Government: http://www.gouvernement.fr/gouvernement/elections/liste (2012);
Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/sections/a_votre_service/elections/actualites (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/02
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 47 https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/06/21
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
e . Another organ within the national government
Comments: The Court of Auditors
Source: Constitution, Art. 47-2
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/06/21
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: b) The members of the Constitutional Court are appointed for 9 years
Source: Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/ (2017);
Constitution, Art. 56
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Official Website of the Constitutional Court: http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/francais/le-conseil-constitutionnel/presentation-generale/presentation-generale.206.html (2017);
Verified: 2020/06/21
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
e . Governmental appointment
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Government: http://www.gouvernement.fr/gouvernement/elections/liste (2012);
Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/sections/a_votre_service/elections/actualites (2012)
Official Website of the Constitutional Court: http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/francais/le-conseil-constitutionnel/presentation-generale/presentation-generale.206.html (2012);
Constitution, Art. 56
Verified: 2012/05/02
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
c . Mixed
Comments: c) Ministry of Interior and Constitutional Council
Source: Constitution, Art. 58, 60
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/06/21
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Constitutional Court is composed of 9 members
Source: Official Website of the Constitutional Court: http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/francais/le-conseil-constitutionnel/presentation-generale/presentation-generale.206.html (2017);
Constitution, Art. 56
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/06/21
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Constitutional Court: http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/francais/le-conseil-constitutionnel/presentation-generale/presentation-generale.206.html (2017);
Constitution, Art. 56
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/06/21
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State e . Legislature
Comments: The members of the Constitutional Court are selected by the President as well as the President of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate.
Source: Official Website of the Constitutional Court: http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/francais/le-conseil-constitutionnel/presentation-generale/presentation-generale.206.html (2017);
Constitution, Art. 56
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/06/21
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
d . National Government f . Local Governments g . NGOs/ Civic Organizations h . Political parties/ candidates i . Media
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://www.interieur.gouv.fr (2017);
Official Website of the Constitutional Court: http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/francais/le-conseil-constitutionnel/presentation-generale/presentation-generale.206.html (2017);
Official Website of the Government: http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Elections/Les-resultats/Presidentielles/elecresult__PR2012/(path)/PR2012/FE.html (2017)
Electoral code, Chapter V: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=A7AFD3862BFA8D3850166A0BFFD22CD8.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/21
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://www.interieur.gouv.fr (2017);
Official Website of the Constitutional Court: http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/francais/le-conseil-constitutionnel/presentation-generale/presentation-generale.206.html (2017);
Official Website of the Government: http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Elections/Les-resultats/Presidentielles/elecresult__PR2012/(path)/PR2012/FE.html (2017)
Verified: 2020/06/21
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://www.interieur.gouv.fr (2017);
Official Website of the Constitutional Court: http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/francais/le-conseil-constitutionnel/presentation-generale/presentation-generale.206.html (2017);
Official Website of the Government: http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Elections/Les-resultats/Presidentielles/elecresult__PR2012/(path)/PR2012/FE.html (2017)
Verified: 2020/06/21
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement g . Internet
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://www.interieur.gouv.fr (2012);
Official Website of the Constitutional Court: http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/francais/le-conseil-constitutionnel/presentation-generale/presentation-generale.206.html (2012);
Official Website of the Government: http://www.gouvernement.fr/gouvernement/resultats-definitifs-du-premier-tour-de-l-election-presidentielle-2012-etablis-par-le-c (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/02
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/02
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L2
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=D743CF8B04937AC5B31672959A9CEA59.tplgfr23s_1?idSectionTA=LEGISCTA000006148454&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/21
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L2
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=D743CF8B04937AC5B31672959A9CEA59.tplgfr23s_1?idSectionTA=LEGISCTA000006148454&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/21
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal Incarceration b . Previous Conviction d . Mental disability
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L2, L5, L6
Verified: 2012/05/02
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
c . Local Government Authority
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L11-1
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=D743CF8B04937AC5B31672959A9CEA59.tplgfr23s_1?idSectionTA=LEGISCTA000006164051&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/21
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
c . No registration required
Comments: b) Citizens are automatically registered in the electoral lists of the municipality of their actual residence
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L11-1
Verified: 2012/05/02
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
b . Annually
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. R5
Verified: 2012/05/02
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
d . Registration by mail e . Appearance by voter at registration office
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. R5
Verified: 2012/05/02
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: a) Nonetheless, no sanctions are imposed to non-registered citizens
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L9
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=D743CF8B04937AC5B31672959A9CEA59.tplgfr23s_1?idSectionTA=LEGISCTA000006164051&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/21
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
d . No registration required
Comments: Candidates are only required to announce their participation accompanied by their signatures, their full name, sex, date and place of birth, residence and occupation.
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L154
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=F68B3CF06BA941E48270531A7F396845.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/20
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement)
Comments: Candidates are required to sign and state their full name, sex, date and place of birth, residence and occupation.
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L298
Verified: 2012/05/03
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship j . Other
Comments: a) 18 years old
b) French citizenship
j) Full possession of civil and political rights
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L44, LO127
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=F68B3CF06BA941E48270531A7F396845.tplgfr23s_1?idSectionTA=LEGISCTA000006148456&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/20
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship j . Other
Comments: a) 24 years old
b) French citizenship
j) Full possession of civil and political rights
Source: Electoral Code, Art. LO296
Verified: 2012/05/03
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship j . Other
Comments: a) 18 years old
b) French Citizenship
j) Signature requirement: the person who runs for President has to collect 500 signatures from elected people, namely : mayors, members of regional, departmental and municipal councils, French and European MPs.
Source: Organic Law 62-1292 of 6 November 1962 on the election of the President of the Republic;
Directorate for legal and administrative information: http://www.vie-publique.fr/decouverte-institutions/institutions/fonctionnement/president-republique/comment/qui-peut-devenir-president-republique.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/03
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
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:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. LO127 - LO133
Verified: 2012/05/03
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
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:
Source: Organic Law 62-1292 of 6 November 1962 on the election of the President of the Republic;
Directorate for legal and administrative information: http://www.vie-publique.fr/decouverte-institutions/institutions/fonctionnement/president-republique/comment/qui-peut-devenir-president-republique.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/03
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: Art. L44:
Any Frenchman and any Frenchwoman having the quality of voter can make application and be elected, subject to the cases of incapacity or ineligibility envisaged by the law.
Source: Electoral code, L44;
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=F68B3CF06BA941E48270531A7F396845.tplgfr23s_1?idSectionTA=LEGISCTA000006148456&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Constitution, Art. 7
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/06/20
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: c) Candidates are only required to announce their participation accompanied by their signatures, their full name, sex, date and place of birth, residence and occupation.
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L154
Verified: 2012/05/03
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: c) Candidates are only required to announce their participation accompanied by their signatures, their full name, sex, date and place of birth, residence and occupation.
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L298
Verified: 2012/05/03
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: a) The candidate who runs for President has to collect 500 signatures from elected people, namely : mayors, members of regional, departmental and municipal councils, French and European MPs.
Source: Organic Law 62-1292 of 6 November 1962 on the election of the President of the Republic;
Directorate for legal and administrative information: http://www.vie-publique.fr/decouverte-institutions/institutions/fonctionnement/president-republique/comment/qui-peut-devenir-president-republique.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/03
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments:
Source: Law 88-227 of 11 March 1988 on the financial transparency of political life, Art. 8, 9;
Electoral Code, Art. L52-2, L52-11-1, L167
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=F68B3CF06BA941E48270531A7F396845.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/20
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source: Law 88-227 of 11 March 1988 on the financial transparency of political life, Art. 8, 9;
Electoral Code, Art. L52-2, L52-11-1, L167
Verified: 2012/05/03
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
a . Free media access
Comments: a) Free media access during the election period
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L167-1
Verified: 2012/05/03
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election c . Based on current legislative representation
Comments: Allocations are granted in proportion to votes received in the first round of current elections by each party.
In addition, candidates having obtained at least 5% of the votes are reimbursed for the cost of printing ballots, posters and flyers.
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L167, L52-4;
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=F68B3CF06BA941E48270531A7F396845.tplgfr23s_1?idSectionTA=LEGISCTA000006148459&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Law 88-227 of 11 March 1988 on the financial transparency of political life, Art. 8, 9
Verified: 2020/06/20
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
a . General party administration b . Election campaign activities
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L167;
Law 88-227 of 11 March 1988 on the financial transparency of political life, Art. 8, 9
Verified: 2012/05/03
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Art. L52-8
a) A natural person can make a donation to a candidate if they are of French nationality or if they reside in France. Donations made by a duly identified natural person to finance the campaign of one or more candidates during the same elections may not exceed 4,600 euros.
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L52-8;
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=F68B3CF06BA941E48270531A7F396845.tplgfr23s_1?idSectionTA=LEGISCTA000006148459&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Law 88-227 of 11 March 1988 on the financial transparency of political life
Verified: 2020/06/20
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L52-8;
Law 88-227 of 11 March 1988 on the financial transparency of political life
Verified: 2012/05/03
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of party contributions received b . Public disclosure of party expenditure c . Prohibition on party funding from foreign sources d . Ceilings on how much money a party can raise e . Ceilings on party election expenses
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L52-8, L52-9, L52-11;
Law 88-227 of 11 March 1988 on the financial transparency of political life
Verified: 2012/05/03
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of candidate contributions received b . Public disclosure of candidate expenditure c . Prohibition on candidate funding from foreign sources d . Ceilings on how much money a candidate can raise e . Ceilings on candidate election expenses
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L52-8, L52-9, L52-11;
Law 88-227 of 11 March 1988 on the financial transparency of political life
Verified: 2012/05/03
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
b . Regulated body specially created for this purpose
Comments: b) The National Auditing Commission for electoral campaigns and political funding
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L52-14, L52-15;
Law 88-227 of 11 March 1988 on the financial transparency of political life, Art. 3
Verified: 2012/05/03
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
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 i . Party symbols in black and white
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. R54, R55
Verified: 2012/05/03
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
b . Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope) g . Different ballots used in different constituencies
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. R155
Verified: 2012/05/03
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
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
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code;
Law 62-1292 of 6 November 1962 on the election of the President of the Republic
Verified: 2012/05/03
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L65
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=9B64B63FCBA694B62F4DC7D7DCC0F066.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/20
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
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
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L65, L66, L67, L175
Verified: 2012/05/03
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
c . District level
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L175
Verified: 2012/05/03
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
c . Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: Constituency
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L124, L125, L126
Verified: 2012/05/03
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
b . By telephone c . By fax f . By computer
Comments: c) for overseas departments
Source: Electoral Code, Art. R69, R106
Verified: 2012/05/03
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
f . Certificate of result
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. R106
Verified: 2012/05/03
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
c . Signatures on sealed envelopes h . Accompanied by police or other security personnel
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. R106
Verified: 2012/05/03
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
b . Always recounted
Comments: b) A general counting of votes for each constituency is always carried out by a special commission.
Source: Electoral Code, Art. R107
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=F68B3CF06BA941E48270531A7F396845.tplgfr23s_1?idSectionTA=LEGISCTA000006148648&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/20
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
b . An individual candidate c . Election officials
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. LO180;
Decree 58-1067 of 7 November 1958, Art. 33
Verified: 2012/05/03
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
c . Local Election Management body h . Courts
Comments: c) Electoral Commission chaired by a judge in each department
Source: Electoral Code, Art. LO188
Verified: 2012/05/03
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: a) Only after the closing of all polling stations.
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L52-2
Verified: 2012/05/03
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The official document with the results is signed by the members of the central polling station and is publicly announced by the president of the central polling station.
Source: Electoral Code, Art. R69;
Official Website of French administration: http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/particuliers/F16828.xhtml (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/03
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
a . hours:
Comments: Maximum 24 hours.
Source: Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/sections/a_votre_service/elections/resultats (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/03
Media and Elections
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
b . Independent regulator
Comments: b) Supreme Council for Audiovisual Services
Source: Law No. 86-1067 of 30 September 1986 on freedom of communication, Art. 29, 30
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
b . Private companies c . Non governmental organisations f . State owned companies
Comments:
Source: Law No. 86-1067 of 30 September 1986 on freedom of communication, Art. 41-3
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME024
Question: What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Law b . Secondary legislation (e.g. regulations)
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L167-1;
Law No. 86-1067 of 30 September 1986 on freedom of communication, Art. 14, 16;
Supreme Council for Audiovisual Services Resolution No. 2011-1 of 4 January 2011
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME025
Question: Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Statutory regulator (e.g. broadcasting licensing body)
Comments: a) The Supreme Council for Audiovisual Services
Source: Law No. 86-1067 of 30 September 1986 on freedom of communication, Art. 14, 16;
Supreme Council for Audiovisual Services Resolution No. 2011-1 of 4 January 2011
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME027
Question: Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Law No. 86-1067 of 30 September 1986 on freedom of communication, Art. 14, 16;
Supreme Council for Audiovisual Services Resolution No. 2011-1 of 4 January 2011
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME028
Question: What form does the authority, if any, of the EMB to enforce remedies or sanctions against the media in case of breach of the rules on media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME033
Question: Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.
Answer:
b . Other (specify)
Comments: b) The Supreme Council for Audiovisual Services
Source: Law No. 86-1067 of 30 September 1986 on freedom of communication, Art. 14, 16;
Supreme Council for Audiovisual Services Resolution No. 2011-1 of 4 January 2011;
Electoral Code, Art. 167-1 (IV)
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME034
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. 167-1 (I)
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME035
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. 167-1 (I)
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
d . Based on mixture of principles (specify) e . As agreed by special committee
Comments: d) For European and legislative elections, free broadcast time is allocated to political parties which are represented at the National Assembly.
For presidential elections, according to the principle of equality, all candidates have equal access to free broadcast time.
e) The Supreme Council for Audiovisual Services
Source: Electoral Code, Art. 167-1 (I);
Decree No. 2001-213 of 8 March 2001 implementing Law No. 62-1292 of 6 November 1962 on the election of the President of the Republic, Art. 15;
Official Website of the Supreme Council for Audiovisual Services: http://www.csa.fr/Television/Le-suivi-des-programmes/Le-pluralisme-politique-et-les-campagnes-electorales/Le-pluralisme-en-periode-electorale (2012)
Verified: 2020/06/20
ME039
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. 167-1 (I)
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME040
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. 167-1 (I)
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME042
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
d . Based on mixture of principles (specify)
Comments: For the first round, three hours of broadcasting time is available to parties and groups represented to the National Assembly. This broadcast time is divided in two equal parts: the first part is allocated to groups that belong to the majority, while the second to the opposition parties.
Source: Electoral Code, Art. 167-1 (I)
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME047
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Decree No. 2001-213 of 8 March 2001 implementing Law No. 62-1292 of 6 November 1962 on the election of the President of the Republic, Art. 15
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME048
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Decree No. 2001-213 of 8 March 2001 implementing Law No. 62-1292 of 6 November 1962 on the election of the President of the Republic, Art. 15
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME050
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance of candidate's party
Comments:
Source: Decree No. 2001-213 of 8 March 2001 implementing Law No. 62-1292 of 6 November 1962 on the election of the President of the Republic, Art. 15
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME054
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance of candidate's party
Comments:
Source: Decree No. 2001-213 of 8 March 2001 implementing Law No. 62-1292 of 6 November 1962 on the election of the President of the Republic, Art. 15
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Supreme Council for Audiovisual Services: http://www.csa.fr/Television/Le-suivi-des-programmes/Le-pluralisme-politique-et-les-campagnes-electorales/Le-pluralisme-en-periode-electorale
Verified: 2020/06/20
ME061
Question: Which of the following information in reporting the results of opinion polls are required to be disclosed by law?
Answer(s):
a . Person or agency that commissioned the opinion poll d . Size of the sample f . Other
Comments: f) The name and quality of the purchaser of the survey;
The dates on which the survey was carried out;
A statement indicating the right of the public to have access to more information
Source: Law No. 77-808 of 19 July 1977 on the publication of opinion polls, Art. 2
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
a . 1 day
Comments: b) Results of pre-election opinion polls shall not be published one day before the elections and on the elections day.
Source: Law No. 77-808 of 19 July 1977 on the publication of opinion polls, Art. 11
Electoral code https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=9B64B63FCBA694B62F4DC7D7DCC0F066.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/20
ME063
Question: Where, if at all, may exit polls be carried out?
Answer(s):
b . Outside the polling station
Comments:
Source: Law No. 77-808 of 19 July 1977 on the publication of opinion polls, Art. 11
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME064
Question: If exit polls are permitted, when can the results be disseminated via the media?
Answer(s):
b . After all polls close
Comments:
Source: Law No. 77-808 of 19 July 1977 on the publication of opinion polls, Art. 11
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME065
Question: When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?
Answer:
b . After all polls close, before official results are available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L52-2
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME066
Question: Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L52-2
Verified: 2012/05/03
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art L52-4 https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=9B64B63FCBA694B62F4DC7D7DCC0F066.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/20
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 88-5, 89
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2020/06/20
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 88-5, 89;
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2020/06/20
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 11, 60, 88-5, 89
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2020/06/20
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89;
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2020/06/20
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89;
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2020/06/20
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89;
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2020/06/20
DD008
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89;
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD009
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89;
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD010
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89;
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD100
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89;
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD101
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89;
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD103
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89;
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD104
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89;
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD106
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
b . Other government department f . Other (specify)
Comments: f) The Constitutional Court
Source: Constitution, Art. 60
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD107
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD108
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD011
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD110
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89;
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD111
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD113
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD114
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD116
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD117
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD119
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD012
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD120
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD122
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD123
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD127
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign for a recall?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD015
Question: Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify who)
Comments: e) The Constitutional Court
Source: Constitution, Art. 60
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD016
Question: Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 72-1;
General Code of Local Authorities, Art. LO1112-1 to LO1112-7
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 72-1;
General Code of Local Authorities, Art. LO1112-1 to LO1112-7
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 72-1;
General Code of Local Authorities, Art. LO1112-1 to LO1112-7
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 72-1;
General Code of Local Authorities, Art. LO1112-1 to LO1112-7
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 72-1;
General Code of Local Authorities, Art. LO1112-1 to LO1112-7
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 72-1;
General Code of Local Authorities, Art. LO1112-1 to LO1112-7
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 72-1;
General Code of Local Authorities, Art. LO1112-1 to LO1112-7
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 72-1;
General Code of Local Authorities, Art. LO1112-1 to LO1112-7
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 72-1;
General Code of Local Authorities, Art. LO1112-1 to LO1112-7
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 72-1;
General Code of Local Authorities, Art. LO1112-1 to LO1112-7
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Adoption of international treaties c . Transfer of authority to international bodies d . National sovereignty, national self-determination i . Other public policy issues
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 89
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD030
Question: Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Other (specify)
Comments: d) Issues for which local authorities are competent
Source: Constitution, Art. 72-1;
General Code of Local Authorities, Art. LO1112-1 to LO1112-7
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD031
Question: Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
Answer(s):
c . President
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 11
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD032
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD034
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD036
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD041
Question: What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: No minimum number of signatures is required.
Source: Official Website of the Constitutional Court: http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/francais/documentation/dossiers-thematiques/2004-le-referendum-sous-la-ve-republique/le-referendum-sous-la-ve-republique.17410.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/04
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD066
Question: What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD068
Question: If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD069
Question: When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD071
Question: Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD082
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/04
DD083
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/04
DD085
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD086
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD091
Question: Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD094
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/04
DD095
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/04
DD096
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
DD097
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Constitutional Court: http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/francais/documentation/dossiers-thematiques/2004-le-referendum-sous-la-ve-republique/le-referendum-sous-la-ve-republique.17410.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/04
DD099
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Constitutional Court: http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/francais/documentation/dossiers-thematiques/2004-le-referendum-sous-la-ve-republique/le-referendum-sous-la-ve-republique.17410.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/04
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Official Website of the Constitutional Court: http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/francais/documentation/dossiers-thematiques/2005-referendum-traite-constitution-pour-l-europe/textes/textes-relatifs-a-l-organisation-et-au-controle-du-referendum.42850.html (2012);
Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 89
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/06/20
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 89;
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Official Website of the Constitutional Court: https://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/sites/default/files/2018-08/2005_ref_articles_constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2020/06/20
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Constitution, Art. 72-1;
General Code of regional authorities, Art. LO1112-1 to LO1112-7
Verified: 2020/06/20
Voting Operations
VO001
Question: Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
Answer:
a . 91-100%
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/05
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/02
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections f . By mail h . By proxy j . Other
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. R40, L124, R176-3, R176-4;
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=9B64B63FCBA694B62F4DC7D7DCC0F066.tplgfr23s_1?idSectionTA=LEGISCTA000006148464&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/20
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments:
Source: Decree of 20 July 2007 containing various provisions relating to electoral lists and electoral operations abroad;
Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/particuliers/F11257.xhtml (2012);
Electoral Code, Art. R176-3, R176-4
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=9B64B63FCBA694B62F4DC7D7DCC0F066.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/20
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
b . Consulates d . By proxy e . By mail f . Other
Comments:
Source: Decree of 20 July 2007 containing various provisions relating to electoral lists and electoral operations abroad;
Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/particuliers/F11257.xhtml (2012)
Electoral Code, Art. R176-3, R176-4 https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=9B64B63FCBA694B62F4DC7D7DCC0F066.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/20
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
b . Yes
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/particuliers/F11257.xhtml (2012);
Decree of 20 July 2007 containing various provisions relating to electoral lists and electoral operations abroad;
Electoral Code, Art. R176-3-10, R176-4
Verified: 2012/05/03
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
b . By mail e . Other
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, Art. R176-3, R176-4
Verified: 2012/05/03
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
a . Everyone
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: Electoral Code, Art. R176-3, R176-4
Verified: 2012/05/03
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/03
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots d . Electronic voting machine
Comments: g.) By choosing a ballot paper. One ballot for each candidate or one ballot for each list.
Source: Electoral Code, Art. L57-1, L62 https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=9B64B63FCBA694B62F4DC7D7DCC0F066.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
Verified: 2020/06/20
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