French voters are now casting their ballots in the initial round of the country's unexpected parliamentary elections, a pivotal event that could reshape President Emmanuel Macron's political landscape, CNN reported.
The outcome may determine whether Macron's centrist coalition retains power or if France faces a period of political cohabitation with the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen.
Voting commenced at 8 am local time (2 am ET), marking the start of the process to elect the 577 members of the National Assembly.
This election, scheduled three years ahead of the regular term, follows a significant setback for Macron's Renaissance party in the recent European Parliament elections, where the RN emerged victorious.
Responding swiftly to this defeat, Macron opted for the snap election, the first in France since 1997, acknowledging the electorate's message, as reported by CNN.
Regardless of the election's outcome, Macron has committed to serving until the next presidential elections in 2027.
The National Assembly, responsible for enacting domestic legislation ranging from social policies to economic reforms, plays a crucial role alongside the president, who oversees foreign affairs, European policies, and defence strategies.
The prospect of political "cohabitation," where the president and parliament are from different political camps, looms large.
Such a scenario, historically challenging for governance, could complicate matters for France as it prepares to host the upcoming summer Olympics.
France has experienced cohabitation before, notably during President Jacques Chirac's tenure, when a conservative president worked alongside a socialist prime minister appointed after snap elections.
This historical precedent underscores the potential challenges of divided governance.
The electoral process involves two rounds: the current first round, which narrows down the field, and a subsequent round where candidates compete for the majority needed to secure parliamentary seats. Candidates must secure more than 12.5 percent of the vote to advance to the second round, where final outcomes are decided, according to CNN.
The electorate faces a choice among several political blocs: the RN-led far-right coalition, the New Popular Front representing the left, and Macron's centrist Ensemble alliance. Each bloc presents distinct visions for France's future, appealing to voters with diverse ideological leanings.
Leading the RN bloc is Jordan Bardella, handpicked by Marine Le Pen to lead the party's efforts to broaden its appeal beyond its historically contentious issues of racism and antisemitism.
Bardella's leadership marks a significant shift as the RN seeks mainstream acceptance and potentially positions itself to lead the government.
On the left, the NFP has emerged as a coalition uniting various factions, from staunch progressives like Jean-Luc Melenchon to more moderate figures such as Raphael Glucksmann.
This coalition aims to revive the spirit of the original Popular Front, which historically countered fascist influences in French politics.
Representing Macron's centrist Ensemble alliance is outgoing Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, appointed just months before the snap election was announced. Attal, like Macron, faces the challenge of retaining support amid a competitive electoral landscape reshaped by recent political developments.
Polling stations will close at 8 pm local time (2 pm ET) on Sunday, with final results expected early the following day.
The election's outcome will not only determine the composition of the National Assembly but also set the tone for Macron's presidency going forward, influencing his ability to implement key policies and navigate France's role in global affairs.
The anticipation surrounding these elections reflects broader concerns about the direction of French politics and its implications for Europe.
As voters cast their ballots, the stakes are high, with potential ramifications extending well beyond domestic policy to shape France's international standing and alliances, CNN reported.
