Frances macron defies coronavirus lockdown with elections
You're referring to the 2020 French municipal elections, which took place on March 22 and 29, 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown in France.
Yes, the French government decided to hold the elections as scheduled, despite the risks and challenges posed by the pandemic. The decision was made after consulting with health experts and considering the importance of democratic participation.
The elections were held in two rounds, with the first round taking place on March 22 and the second round on March 29. The elections were characterized by a significant decrease in voter turnout compared to previous municipal elections, with many voters opting to stay at home due to health concerns.
The French government took various measures to ensure the safety of voters and election officials, including:
- Wearing masks: Voters and election officials were encouraged to wear masks to reduce the risk of transmission.
- Social distancing: Election officials and voters were required to maintain a safe distance from each other.
- Hand sanitizer: Hand sanitizer was made available at polling stations.
- Reduced polling stations: The number of polling stations was reduced to minimize the number of people gathering in one place.
- Online voting: Some municipalities allowed voters to cast their ballots online, reducing the need for in-person voting.
Despite these measures, the elections were not without controversy. Some critics argued that holding the elections during a pandemic was irresponsible and put the health of voters and election officials at risk.
In the end, the elections were held successfully, and the results were announced as scheduled. The elections were seen as a crucial test of France's democratic institutions and a symbol of the country's resilience in the face of adversity.