French elections shape the news, starting with the presidential election, which regularly makes headlines around the world. It is a great chance to learn French vocabulary about elections and to understand the country’s political system.
This guide brings together the types of election, the essential vocabulary and a short historical overview, with questions to compare with your own country.
Key takeaways
- France holds several types of election: presidential, legislative, senatorial, regional, municipal and European.
- The President is elected every 5 years by direct universal suffrage, in a two-round system.
- Key vocabulary includes le suffrage universel, le bulletin de vote, l’isoloir, la majorité absolue and le taux d’abstention.
- An election period is a great chance to practise the French of current affairs.
Types of election in France
France holds several votes, on different cycles and for different roles.
| Election | Frequency | What is elected |
|---|---|---|
| Présidentielle | Every 5 years | The Président de la République, in a two-round vote |
| Législatives | Every 5 years | The deputies of the Assemblée nationale, who pass laws |
| Sénatoriales | Half every 3 years | The senators, by indirect suffrage |
| Régionales | Every 6 years | Regional councillors (transport, education, economy) |
| Municipales | Every 6 years | Municipal councillors and mayors |
| Européennes | Every 5 years | Members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg |
Essential election vocabulary
Here are the words to know to follow a campaign or talk about one.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| le suffrage universel | the right to vote granted to all citizens |
| le scrutin à deux tours | a second round is held if no one wins an absolute majority in the first |
| les électeurs | the people who vote (you must be at least 18) |
| le bulletin de vote | the paper on which you mark your choice |
| l’isoloir | the booth where you vote in secret |
| la majorité absolue | more than half of the votes |
| le taux d’abstention | the share of voters who do not vote |
| le mandat | the term an elected official serves |
| la dissolution | the early end of the Assemblée nationale, decided by the President |
| les sondages | the polls that estimate voting intentions |
| un parti de gauche / de droite | the main political families |
A short history of the electoral system
The French electoral system has been built up since the Revolution, all the way to today’s direct universal suffrage.
| Milestone | Change |
|---|---|
| Before 1848 | Voting was limited to property-owning men |
| 1848 | Universal male suffrage |
| Third Republic (1870-1940) | Parliamentary system, president elected by the chambers |
| 1944 | Women gain the right to vote |
| Fourth Republic (1946-1958) | Political instability, short-lived governments |
| Fifth Republic (since 1958) | De Gaulle strengthens the presidency |
| 1965 | First presidential election by direct universal suffrage |
Tip: During an election period, read a French news article or watch a TV news bulletin and note every election word you recognise. Current affairs are a great way to lock in this vocabulary.
Elections in your country
The electoral system in your country may be very different from the French one. What differences can you spot?
- Who can vote in your country?
- Who leads your country?
- How is the President or Prime Minister elected?
- Are there several levels of councils as in France?
Going further
Want to discuss elections and other current topics with a native teacher? You can practise in online French conversation lessons with a native French teacher and start with a free trial.
Frequently asked questions
How often are presidential elections held in France?
Every five years. The President is elected by direct universal suffrage, in a two-round system if no candidate wins an absolute majority in the first round.
What is the difference between legislative and presidential elections?
The presidential election chooses the Président de la République; the legislative elections choose the deputies of the Assemblée nationale, who pass laws.
What is the voting age in France?
You must be at least 18 and registered on the electoral roll.
What is a two-round vote?
If no candidate wins an absolute majority in the first round, a second round decides between the two leading candidates.
When did women get the right to vote in France?
In 1944. Universal male suffrage had existed since 1848.
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