Normally, parliamentary elections take place seven weeks after presidential elections. But this time it's quite different. After a major setback in the European elections on June 9, 2024, President Emmanuel Macron has decided to dissolve the National Assembly, leading to new legislative elections being held less than two years after the previous ones, in June 2022. We tell you everything you need to know about the conduct of these elections, which promise to be particularly decisive for the country's future.
In France, deputies meet at the Palais Bourbon, home of theNational Assembly, to vote on legislation. They are elected every five years, in the weeks following the presidential election, and number 577. Legislative elections must enable the new Head of State to hope for a majority in the National Assembly to implement his policies and avoid a period of cohabitation. Without this, he will have to make numerous concessions with the opposition.
Typically, the abstention rate is much higher here, as citizens are not always aware of thesignificance of the ballot, but this could well change, given the unusual situation.
These new parliamentary elections will take place on Sundays June 30 and July 7, 2024 .
The latter is essential for a democracy, since deputies must have a supervisory role over government action, and can question ministers or request the opening of a commission of inquiry to look into an issue in greater depth.
If they disagree with the government's policy, they can table a motion of censure, which requires an absolute majority to pass. In this case, the prime minister must tender the resignation of his government. In the other direction, a president can also dissolve the Assembly, if he does not have a majority, once per quinquennium.
Any ordinary citizen can become a member of parliament for his or her constituency. To be a candidate, you must be of French nationality, at least 18 years old and not have lost your right to vote. Persons under guardianship cannot be candidates. It is not possible to combine one's mandate with another local function.
Each candidate runs in a legislative constituency, a territory in which registered voters can cast their ballots. In all, France is divided into 566 legislative constituencies, to which must be added eleven constituencies for expatriates.
To vote in the legislative elections in your town, the procedures are the same as for the presidential elections. Members of parliament are also elected by direct universal suffrage, and can vote at the ballot box or by proxy. Elections are held in each constituency on the basis of a two-round majority system, unless one of the candidates obtains an absolute majority of votes in the first round.
Dates and Opening Time
From June 30, 2024 to July 7, 2024
