Coronavirus affects election turnout in France, Bavaria
PARIS: Local election polls closed in France and in Germany’s southern state of Bavaria on Sunday evening, after politicians urged voters to go out and cast their votes despite calls to otherwise avoid public spaces amid a rise in COVID-19 cases in both countries.
In France, polling organisations said there was a significant drop in turnout compared to local elections in 2014. A poll from Ipsos/ Sopra Steria pegged turnout at 45.5 per cent, compared to 63.5 per cent six years ago.
French Health Minister Olivier Veran told local media that health experts had said the election could go ahead, but that he will consult them again about whether to hold the second round of voting planned for next week.
French Green Party leader Yannick Jadot called for runoff voting to be postponed. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen said it “will clearly not take place” and that it is “time for a battle for health.”
On Saturday night, France shut down all unnecessary public spaces including cafes, restaurants, gyms and cinemas, and residents have been ordered to stay at home to curb further spread of COVID-19. The government has also closed indefinitely all schools, universities, childcare centers, and banned gatherings of more than 100 people, throwing into question the rationale for holding the polls.
Macron urged voters to turn up
But French President Emmanuel Macron had insisted that voters turn out to elect mayors and municipal councils to protect local democracy.
“It is important, following the advice of scientists which we have done, to ensure the continuity of our democratic life and that of our institutions,” Macron said.
A recent opinion poll showed that 28% of potential voters in France were “concerned” about the risk of infection at polling stations, which are often set up at schools.
France, one of the worst-hit countries by the novel coronavirus in Europe, has over 4,400 confirmed cases and 91 deaths to date.
Officials had ordered steppedup hygiene measures at polling stations, including providing hand sanitizer and keeping voters spaced out as they waited in line.
Macron’s support falters
The two-round local polls are an important mid-term test for Macron. His party dominated Paris during the 2017 presidential elections but he has since lost support over his autocratic leadership style and perceived favoritism of France’s rich and the elite.
Across France, some 47.7 million people are registered to vote in around 35,000 municipalities. The second round of voting is scheduled to take place on March 22.
Voter participation up in Bavaria
Meanwhile, municipal elections in the southern German state of Bavaria went off with higher voter turnout than the last election six years ago, despite the state fending off one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the country.
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder of the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) party said all preemptive health measures had been carried out as planned. Polling stations were equipped with disinfectant gel and sinks for hand-washing.
Approximately 10 million people were eligible to take part in 4,000 state-wide polls for some 40,000 mayors and city or municipal councils positions, as well as those at the district and county council level.