On Sunday, French citizens living in the Principality were called to vote in a partial legislative election following the invalidation of MP Stéphane Vojetta’s mandate for failure to submit his campaign accounts on time…
The election concerns the 5th constituency for French citizens abroad, which covers Portugal, Spain (excluding Monaco) and Monaco, with a first round held this weekend and a second scheduled for 12 October.
The French Embassy in Monaco organised the polling station with the support of the Monegasque authorities, who provided security and logistical assistance throughout the day. Voters also had the option to cast their ballots by post or electronically.
Throughout the morning and early afternoon, a steady flow of French residents came to the embassy to exercise their civic duty. “It’s always important to vote,” one voter said, echoing the sentiment of others who stressed that participating in elections remains an essential responsibility, even when living abroad.
Despite these expressions of commitment, early indications before the polls closed suggested turnout was likely to be low — a trend seen in other partial elections for French citizens abroad.
The results of the first round will determine whether a run-off is needed, but in any case the next stage of voting is already set for 12 October. Sunday’s poll underlines the enduring ties between France and its citizens in Monaco, where thousands maintain dual professional and personal connections on both sides of the border.
