French citizens cast vote in two-round snap polls

For the second time this month, overseas French citizens in the region queued up to exercise their franchise following early parliamentary elections called by French President Emmanuel Macron. 

For the second time this month, overseas French citizens in the region queued up to exercise their franchise following early parliamentary elections called by French President Emmanuel Macron. 

The French Consulate, with the support of the Bureau de France in Chennai and local authorities, has made arrangements for an estimated 4,550 French citizens spread across Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Kerala on the electoral rolls to participate in the election of their representative to the 577-seat National Assembly.

India falls under the largest (a bloc of 49 countries) of the 11 constituencies earmarked for overseas French citizens to elect their representative. This year, candidates from 15 different political parties are taking part in the first round, the Consulate said.

The three main political blocs in the fray are the ruling Renaissance-led centrist coalition, the far-right National Rally and the New Popular Front alliance of left, far-left and green parties.

The first of the two rounds of voting was completed on Sunday with the next scheduled on July 7, also a Sunday.

The Consul General of France, Lise Talbot Barré, who was among those who cast their vote, also oversaw the voting process here.

Four separate polling stations were opened for the electorate in four locations: two in Puducherry, one in Chennai and one in Karaikal. The electors had the options of casting vote at the ballot box, by proxy or online.