Election President of France

since referendum on direct election of president of french republic in 1962, president has been directly elected universal suffrage; or elected electoral college.

after referendum on reduction of mandate of president of french republic, 2000, length of term reduced 5 years previous seven; first election shorter term held in 2002. president chirac first elected in 1995 , again in 2002. @ time, there no limit on number of terms, chirac have run again, chose not to. succeeded nicolas sarkozy on 16 may 2007.

following further change, constitutional law on modernisation of institutions of fifth republic, 2008, president cannot serve more 2 consecutive terms. françois mitterrand , jacques chirac presidents date have served full 2 terms (14 years former, 12 years latter).

in order admitted official candidate, potential candidates must receive signed nominations (informally known parrainages, sponsors ) more 500 elected officials, mayors. these officials must @ least 30 départements or overseas collectivities, , no more 10% of them should same département or collectivity. furthermore, each official may nominate 1 candidate. there 45,543 elected officials, including 33,872 mayors.

spending , financing of campaigns , political parties highly regulated. there cap on spending, @ approximately 20 million euros, , government public financing of 50% of spending if candidate scores more 5%. if candidate receives less 5% of vote, government funds €8,000,000 party (€4,000,000 paid in advance). advertising on tv forbidden, official time given candidates on public tv. independent agency regulates election , party financing.

french presidential elections conducted via run-off voting, ensures elected president obtains majority: if no candidate receives majority of votes in first round of voting, 2 highest-scoring candidates arrive @ run-off. after president elected, or goes through solemn investiture ceremony called passation des pouvoirs ( handing on of powers ).