Voters in France are taking extraordinary measures to ensure their voices are heard in the upcoming legislative election. Following President Emmanuel Macron's decision to dissolve the National Assembly, a record number of 410,000 voters have requested to delegate their voting rights to trusted individuals. This surge in requests, which is 6½ times higher than in the previous legislative election, highlights the significance of the upcoming election.
The time constraints imposed by the unexpectedly early election date have led to a rush among voters to complete the necessary paperwork before the first round on June 30. Additionally, the election coincides with the beginning of France's summer vacation season, adding further urgency to the process.
The possibility of a far-right government coming into power for the first time since World War II has galvanized opposition parties on the left. In response to the National Rally's recent success, left-wing parties have formed a coalition to counter the far-right surge.
Political science experts note that voters who opt to have others cast their ballots for them are typically highly engaged and well-informed. The sheer number of voters making such arrangements underscores the critical nature of this election in shaping both personal agendas and the political landscape of France.
The stakes are described as 'very high' by experts, with the potential victory of the extreme right serving as a significant motivator for voters to participate. National Rally president Jordan Bardella has called on voters to support his party with a clear majority, emphasizing the opportunity to bring about substantial policy changes in the country.
