France votes in second parliamentary

France, Sunday votes in the second round of parliamentary elections, in a run-off between the top candidates from last Sunday’s first round.

The second round will see the two top-placed contenders for each seat facing each other, along with any other candidate who won the support of at least 12.5% of registered voters in the district.

President Emmanuel Macron is expected to obtain a strong mandate in parliament to help him pursue his reform plans, the BBC reported. His party needs 289 seats to control the 577-seat National Assembly. LREM is predicted to win more than 400.

Macron formed his party just over a year ago, and half of its candidates have little or no political experience. Republic on the Move or LREM with its MoDem allies is expected to win most seats.

Traditional parties are urging voters to back Macron’s rivals to stop a monopolization of power.

Emmanuel Macron, 39, has promised to “work for everyone” and sees his program as straddling both left and right. Macron’s policy stresses on three issues including ethical standards for political life, reviving the economy, reforming labour market and fighting terrorism.

Source: Fana News