Voter turnout seemed remarkably low for the first round of regional elections in France on Sunday, in what could be a bellwether for upcoming presidential elections next spring.
According to the Interior Ministry, just 26.72 percent of nearly 46 million people eligible to vote for local political offices had cast their ballots by 5 pm (1900 GMT), in what may become a record low.
Even in 2010, which had the lowest-ever turnout in the first round according to official figures, the figure was much higher, at 39.29 per cent as of 5 pm.
A recent poll suggests that more than two-thirds of the electorate did not plan on casting a vote.
The last polling stations in Guadeloupe and Martinique close at 6 pm (2200 GMT), with first projections on the distribution of votes expected shortly after 8 pm (1800 GMT).
Apart from special hygiene measures during the pandemic, the elections were also marked by several problems.
According to local media, some polling stations in Marseille remained closed in the morning, reportedly due to problems with election workers.
In the north of the country, meanwhile, ballot papers were reported to have gone missing from a polling station.
All eyes will be on the right-wing parties during the vote. Polls predict Marine Le Pen’s National Rally could win about a quarter of votes, and possibly win one or several regions for the first time in the run-off, due on June 27.
During the last elections in December 2015, the far-right party performed well and led in the first round, but ultimately failed to win any of the regions.
Current polls view National Rally ahead in five of the 13 mainland regions.
Observers also predict a duel between Le Pen and governing President Emmanuel Macron in the presidential election.
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Macron’s party La Republique en Marche (The Republic on the Move, LREM) is only loosely anchored in the regions.
As the local and central governments have very different competencies, his party losing in regional elections does not necessarily mean a lack of support for Macron.
