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France prepares for vote amid record disregard for both candidates

Sunday, 24 April 2022 2:03 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 24 April 2022 2:04 AM ]

Ramin Mazaheri

Press TV, Paris

France’s presidential campaign has concluded and the nation is set to vote on April 24. After a debate in which Marine Le Pen didn’t attack Emmanuel Macron’s controversial record, the final polls show Macron is leading by around a 54-46% margin.

That’s beyond the margin of error, but 30% of voters say they still haven’t made up their minds. That means a Le Pen victory appears unlikely but would not be surprising.

Across the country anti-fascist protests were held against Le Pen, although both candidates employ regular xenophobia and are economic neoliberals. The anti-government Yellow Vests marched nationwide again, and many had strong words for their biggest nemesis, Macron.

Not only is abstention expected to be the highest since 1969, but over 15% of the country may purposely submit a blank or spoiled ballot. That means almost half the electorate could refuse to submit a valid vote, in an expression of just how many won’t be happy no matter which candidate prevails.

Exit polls are not allowed to be published in France until the results are unveiled. The initial results, which have never been wrong in France, will be released at 1800 Greenwich mean time. A major protest is planned in Paris to begin at 1801 Greenwich mean time.

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