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Abstention in France

ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ overview report on the rise of abstention in France

In the 2021 regional elections, two-thirds of French registered voters did not vote, compared to about one-fifth in 1986. Regardless of the type of election, figures from recent years show that abstention is a growing phenomenon, and that this trend is likely to increase in the coming years.

This report provides information on the extent of abstention in national, European, and intermediate elections since 1958. The study then focuses on the profile of abstainers and their socio-demographic characteristics, and examines the causes and factors underlying this trend, as well as its implications. The final chapter identifies potential solutions to remobilize citizens and to limit abstention.

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Table of contents

The evolution of abstention under the Fifth Republic

  • National elections
  • Local elections
  • European comparison

The profile of abstainers
  • Youth abstention
  • Socioprofessional category factor
  • Role of geographical characteristics

Grounds and drivers
  • Lack of information
  • Voting in vain?
  • The issue of representation
  • Abstention as a protest choice

Stakes and implications
  • Who benefits from abstention?
  • Ballot legitimacy
  • Challenges to democracy

Containing abstention and remobilizing citizens
  • Improve voting practices
  • Citizen remobilization
  • Reforming the voting system

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