PARIS, FRANCE – Voters in France are gearing up for a significant moment in their political history as they head to the polls on Sunday for the first round of parliamentary elections. The outcome remains uncertain, with the possibility of a far-right government emerging for the first time since World War II’s Nazi occupation, or no majority forming at all.

The elections will see fierce competition among three major political blocs: the far-right National Rally, President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance, and the New Popular Front coalition, which includes center-left, greens, and hard-left forces. The French electoral system is complex, with legislators being elected by district and requiring over 50% of the vote to win outright on the first round.

If no candidate secures a majority in the first round, the top two contenders along with anyone else gaining support from over 12.5% of registered voters will proceed to a second round. In the event of a lack of majority, key party leaders are expected to unveil their strategies for the second round, leading to uncertainty and political maneuvering.

The far-right National Rally is leading in pre-election polls and aims to secure an absolute majority of at least 289 out of 577 seats in the National Assembly, the more powerful of France’s two parliamentary houses. In the event of another political force gaining a majority, President Macron will be compelled to appoint a prime minister from that new majority, resulting in a scenario known as “cohabitation” in France.

Cohabitation would mean diverging policies from the president’s plan, as the prime minister leads the government and introduces bills. France has experienced three cohabitations in the past, impacting governance and policy implementation. In this situation, the president retains control over foreign policy, defense, and key powers while the prime minister steers domestic affairs.

The upcoming elections could also shape France’s stance on international issues, with potential shifts in defense and foreign policies under different governing parties. The National Rally and the leftist coalition have contrasting views on diplomatic relations, military interventions, and global conflicts, setting the stage for potential tensions and policy changes.

In the event of a hung parliament, where no party secures a majority, different scenarios could play out, including the formation of a broad coalition, appointment of a government of experts, or a transitional period. The Constitution of the 5th Republic provides flexibility for navigating complex political circumstances, ensuring governance continuity despite challenging situations. Ultimately, the population’s acceptance of the political landscape will influence the country’s path forward post-election.