09 Apr 2022 | 12:03 PM UTC
France: First round of presidential election scheduled for April 10
First round of French presidential election scheduled for April 10. Rallies, associated clashes between rival activists possible.
Event
The first round of the French presidential election is scheduled to occur April 10. Demonstrations are possible ahead of and and after the election. Clashes at gatherings or confrontations between rival political supporters are possible, particularly immediately after results are released around 20:00 April 10. A related gathering is already planned at Place Saint Anne in Rennes from 20:00 April 10. Participants intend to denounce far-right ideology. In the event candidates such as Jean Luc Melanchon (La France Insoumise party), Eric Zemmour (Reconquete party), or Marine Le Pen (Rassemblement National party) reach the second round, the potential for clashes between rival activists is elevated.
Security forces will likely deploy to monitor related events and safeguard election-related sites. Localized disruptions are likely near any gatherings that occur.
Context
Voters will choose among 12 candidates, including incumbent Emmanuel Macron. In the event no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote in the first round, there will be a second round April 24. Opinion polls suggest that a second round is highly likely.
Advice
Avoid election-related events and protests, and exercise caution near polling stations and counting centers. If violence erupts nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter in a nongovernmental building. Heed all official security advisories.
