Many have questioned the wisdom in holding elections after gatherings of over 100 people were banned. FMTNews France
People wait in line with a 1m distance between each other to vote for local elections in Paris on Sunday.
Despite fresh restrictions announced Saturday evening – including the closure of non-essential public places such as cafes, restaurants, cinemas and gyms – polling stations across the country opened at 8am. Municipalities have announced various measures to try to keep voters infection-free, including regular disinfection of voting booths, ensuring a safe distance between voters waiting in line, and providing sanitising hand gels on entry and exit.
“It is important at this time, following the advice of scientists as we have done, to ensure the continuity of our democratic life and that of our institutions,” Macron said. And even if the participation rate is 60% – which is high – that would mean 600 people spread over 10 to 12 hours depending on the district.
Polls showed that young people – who are not at high risk of dying from Covid-19 – are most likely to hold it up as a reason not to vote.
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