Electoral propaganda rules start in October 2026

On 1st October 2026, specific rules on electoral propaganda begin to apply six months before the first round of the 2027 French presidential election. Electoral displays outside designated locations, such as municipal display panels, are prohibited, as well as publicizing free phone numbers for asking questions about a candidate's program.

Social media regulations begin in January 2027

On 1st January 2027, four months before the election, specific rules apply to social networks. The judge for reference can be approached to stop the mass, artificial or automated dissemination of inaccurate or misleading allegations that could affect the sincerity of the vote. The European regulation on political advertising adopted in 2024 also prohibits political advertisements from sponsors based outside the European Union in the three months preceding an election, starting from 18 January.

Voter summoning begins in February 2027

On 7th February 2027, voters are officially summoned to the polls by a decree published in the official journal. This triggers the sending of endorsement forms for elected officials who can grant their signatures to candidates. To run for the presidency, candidates must collect 500 endorsements from elected officials, primarily mayors.

Electoral registration deadline set for March 2027

On 12th March 2027, the deadline for registration on electoral lists is set. To be able to vote, one must be registered on the electoral lists of the city in which one resides. Registration can be done online at service-public.gouv.fr or by visiting the town hall of one's commune, with the requirement to provide an identity document, a proof of residence, and a Cerfa form n°12669 for registration request. Exceptions exist for recent moves, recent 18th birthdays, or recent French citizenship.

Candidate list published in March 2027

On 16th March 2027, the official list of candidates is published in the Official Journal once the last endorsements are validated by the Constitutional Council. Several candidates did not succeed in 2022 in obtaining all their endorsements, such as former Attorney General Christiane Taubira or former number two of the National Rally Florian Philippot.

Official campaign begins in April 2027

On 5th April 2027, the official campaign begins. Before this date, radios and televisions must respect a principle of equity in the treatment of candidates, taking into account the results obtained in the last elections and the results obtained in the opinion polls. Once this date has passed, the rule becomes one of equality between candidates, ensuring each candidate has the same speaking time in the media regardless of the voting intentions or results from the last elections.

Campaign ends in April 2027

On 17th April 2027, the electoral campaign officially ends. From this date, it becomes prohibited to distribute electoral leaflets on the street, disseminate electoral propaganda online, conduct mass telephone calls to encourage voting for a candidate, or hold an electoral meeting. In overseas departments, this date is 16th April.

First round of election takes place in April 2027

On 18th April 2027, the first round of the presidential election takes place in metropolitan France and several overseas territories. Some voters in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyana, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin and French Polynesia vote on 17 April to account for the time difference. The results of the first round are communicated by the Ministry of the Interior starting at 8 p.m.

Second round of election takes place in May 2027

On 2 May, the second round of the presidential election takes place. Some territories vote on 1 May for the second round while metropolitan France and several overseas territories vote on 2 May. As with the first round, the results will be broadcast from 8 p.m. by the Ministry of the Interior.

Power transfer deadline set for May 2027

On 13 May, the deadline for the transfer of power between Emmanuel Macron and his successor is set. The transfer of power must take place no later than 13 May, the official end of the outgoing president's term. The new president is likely to dissolve the Assembly to summon voters to the polls again, with elections taking place between 20 days at least and 40 days at most after the presidential announcement, as specified by the Constitution.

Campaign accounts due in July 2027

On 2 July, all candidates must submit their campaign accounts to the National Commission on Campaign Accounts and Political Financing. It is necessary to have passed the threshold of 5% in the first round to be reimbursed by the State for campaign expenses.