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{{Short description|Runoff election process}}
{{copy edit|date=August 2024}}
{{use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}

In [[French politics]], a '''triangular election''' ({{langx|fr|'''élection triangulaire'''}}) is a characteristic of the French electoral system, due to the [[Two-round system|two-round voting system]] for elections to the [[National Assembly (France)|National Assembly]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-25 |title=Législatives 2024 : qu'est-ce qu'une triangulaire ? - France Bleu |url=https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/politique/legislatives-2024-qu-est-ce-qu-une-triangulaire-et-pourquoi-pourrait-il-y-en-avoir-plus-que-d-habitude-1828210 |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=ici par France Bleu et France 3 |language=fr}}</ref> A triangular election occurs when three candidates from the first round have reached the retention threshold and do not withdraw in the second round. The winner of this election is determined by a [[Plurality (voting)|relative majority]]. Depending on the elimination thresholds adopted for the first round, the second round may also give rise to a quadrangular election (4), or even a quinquangular (5) or sexangular election (6).

Triangular elections were particularly notable in the [[2024 French legislative election]] between the ''{{lang|fr|[[Together (coalition)|Ensemble pour la République]]}}'', [[New Popular Front]], and the [[Union of the Far-Right]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-07-01 |title=The three-way factor that makes France's election results so unusual |url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20240701-the-three-way-factor-that-makes-france-s-election-results-so-unusual |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=RFI |language=en}}</ref>

== Origins ==
The first triangular elections appeared with the foundation of the [[Two-round system|two-round]] majority [[Single-member district|single-member constituency]] system. This [[electoral system]] was put in place during the legislative elections of [[1852 French legislative election|1852]], then continued during the [[Second French Empire]]. The two-round system then continued under the [[French Third Republic]], from the elections of [[1876 French legislative election|1876]].<ref>{{Cite web |year=2024 |title=06 - Elections législatives françaises |url=https://www.nievresomme.fr/pages/archives/document-du-mois/cat-2024/document-du-mois-de-juin-2024.html |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=Communauté de Communes Nièvre et Somme |language=fr}}</ref>

This voting method was originally considered favourable to the [[Legitimists]], [[Orléanist|Orleanists]], and [[Bonapartists (political party)|Bonapartists]], three political movements of the [[Right wing in France|French right wing]], who suffered from division.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rémond |first=René |title=Les Droites en France |publisher=Aubier |year=1954 |isbn=2-7007-0260-3 |location=Paris |language=fr}}</ref> Indeed, in the case of an incomplete bipolarization, where a divided bloc withdraws in favour of the best of them during the second round, the triangular configuration is then more favourable to the political camp which has two qualified candidates.

Thus, this election characterizes the [[politics of France]], as in order to be represented in the [[National Assembly (France)|National Assembly]] without being able to win alone, you must have the support of other parties, in theory making the result more representative .

== In various elections ==
The presence of triangular races depends on the voting method of the elections, and more particularly on the qualification threshold for the second round:
* Triangular elections are observed less and less during [[Legislative elections in France|legislative elections]], which elects [[Deputy (France)|deputies]] to the [[National Assembly (France)|National Assembly]], where it is necessary to obtain at least 12.5% of registered voters to be able to remain (in the case where two other candidates have also crossed the 12.5% threshold).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-11 |title=Explainer: How do France's legislative elections work? |url=https://www.france24.com/en/france/20220511-explainer-how-do-france-s-legislative-elections-work |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref> However as stated previously, a notable exception to this trend is the [[2024 French legislative election|2024 Legislative Election]], where a record 306 triangulaires were observed in a tight race between three electoral coalitions.<ref>https://www.francetvinfo.fr/elections/les-cartes-des-legislatives/infographies-resultats-des-legislatives-2024-record-de-triangulaires-duels-contre-le-rn-visualisez-les-configurations-du-second-tour-dans-chaque-circonscription_6631887.html</ref>
* Triangular elections are impossible during a [[Presidential elections in France|presidential election]] as the runoff only takes place between the top two candidates.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Breeden |first=Aurelien |date=2022-04-24 |title=The French presidential voting system is simple, but also complex. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/24/world/europe/the-french-presidential-voting-system-is-simple-but-also-complex.html |access-date=2024-08-24 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> However, the [[Constitution of France|French Constitution]] allows withdrawals in favour of another candidate, which does not prevent strategies inspired by legislative elections.
* Triangular elections have become rarer in {{Ill|Departmental elections in France|lt=departmental elections|fr|Élections départementales en France}} because successive French governments have regularly increased the threshold for remaining in the second round, to their advantage, this being now placed at 12.5% of registered voters.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Regional and departmental elections (ex-cantonal) |url=https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1958?lang=en |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=www.service-public.fr |language=Fr}}</ref>
* In [[Municipal elections in France|municipal elections]], since 1983, half of the seats have been distributed proportionally, but there has been a threshold for access to the second round in cities with more than 1,000 inhabitants. This is set at 10% of the votes cast, thus allowing the phenomenon of triangular and quadrangular races in politically divided municipalities.<ref name=":1" />
* In {{Ill|Élections régionales en France|lt=regional elections|fr|Élections régionales en France}}, they previously had a single round, but the latest reform in 2003 modelled the municipal system, with a threshold for access to the second round of 10% of the votes cast, which gave rise to numerous three-way contests in [[2004 French regional elections|2004]], [[2010 French regional elections|2010]] and [[2015 French regional elections|2015]].

== Number of triangular elections ==
[[File:Évolution_du_nombre_de_triangulaires_aux_élections_législatives_sous_la_Ve_République.png|thumb|264x264px|Evolution of the number of triangular contests in legislative elections under the Fifth French Republic]]

=== Legislative elections ===
Source:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=La bipolarisation de la vie politique française |language=fr|url=http://www.france-politique.fr/bipolarisation.htm |access-date=2017-06-03 |website=www.france-politique.fr}}</ref>
* [[1958 French legislative election|1958]]: 235
* [[1962 French legislative election|1962]]: 129
* [[1967 French legislative election|1967]]: 65
* [[1968 French legislative election|1968]]: 49
* [[1973 French legislative election|1973]]: 96
* [[1978 French legislative election|1978]]: 1
* [[1981 French legislative election|1981]]: 1
* [[1986 French legislative election|1986]]: single-round proportional voting (no three-way race possible).
* [[1988 French legislative election|1988]]: 8
* [[1993 French legislative election|1993]]: 15
* [[1997 French legislative election|1997]]: 79 (105 before withdrawals)<ref>{{cite web|date=1997-05-29 |language=fr |title=Soixante-seize triangulaires en présence de l'extrême droite |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/1997/05/29/soixante-seize-triangulaires-en-presence-de-l-extreme-droite_3762441_1819218.html |website=Le Monde}}</ref>
* [[2002 French legislative election|2002]]: 10 <ref>{{cite web |language=fr-FR|date=13 June 2002|work=RFI|first=Clarisse|last=Vernhes|title=Il n'y aura que dix triangulaires !|url=http://www1.rfi.fr/actufr/articles/030/article_15235.asp}}</ref>
* [[2007 French legislative election|2007]]: 1 (12 before withdrawals)<ref>{{cite web|language=fr-FR|work=Le Monde|first=Jean-Baptiste|last=de Montvalon|title=Le second tour des législatives ne comportera qu'une seule triangulaire|date=2007-06-13|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2007/06/13/le-second-tour-des-legislatives-ne-comportera-qu-une-seule-triangulaire_922763_3224.html}}</ref>
* [[2012 French legislative election|2012]]: 34 (46 before withdrawals)<ref>{{cite web |language=fr|first=Adrien|last=Sénécat|title=Pourquoi l'issue des législatives est incertaine, quel que soit le vainqueur du 7 mai|work=Le Monde|date=2017-04-26|issn=1950-6244|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/les-decodeurs/article/2017/04/26/pourquoi-les-legislatives-s-annoncent-incertaines-quel-que-soit-le-vainqueur-de-la-presidentielle_5117602_4355770.html|access-date=2017-06-14}}</ref>
* [[2017 French legislative election|2017]]:1<ref>{{cite web |language=fr-FR|first=Loris|last=Boichot|title=Législatives : avec l'abstention record, une seule triangulaire au second tour|work=Le Figaro|date=2017-06-12|issn=0182-5852|url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/elections/legislatives/2017/06/12/38001-20170612ARTFIG00124-legislatives-avec-l-abstention-record-une-seule-triangulaire-au-second-tour.php|access-date=2017-06-14}}</ref>
* [[2022 French legislative election|2022]]: 7 (8 before withdrawals)<ref>{{cite web |language=fr-FR|first=Arthur|last=Quentin|title=Législatives 2022: des triangulaires serrées dans sept circonscriptions|work=Libération|date=2022-06-13|url=https://www.liberation.fr/politique/elections/legislatives-2022-des-triangulaires-serrees-dans-huit-circonscriptions-20220613_BKTZQZFUP5EUXO7GGZ26C6B7S4//}}</ref>
* [[2024 French legislative election|2024]]: 89 (306 before withdrawals)<ref name=":6" />

=== Regional elections ===
In the [[2021 French regional elections]], there were several run-offs, with the second round preventing the [[National Rally]] from winning any regions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-20 |title=Gains seen for far-right in French regional polls |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210620-gains-seen-for-far-right-in-french-regional-polls |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref>

== Influential factors ==
The number of three-way races in the various elections during the [[French Fifth Republic]] is thus relatively disparate; as it does not stabilize around any value. This is because many influencing factors, sometimes favouring the presence of three-way races, sometimes causing the number of second rounds with more than two candidates to fall, must be studied to better understand this evolution.

=== The minimum threshold to be a candidate in the second round ===

==== Threshold ====
The higher the [[Electoral threshold|election threshold]] required to qualify for the second round, the fewer candidates there will be who will reach the second round and therefore the fewer three-way races there will be.

==== Development ====
It must also be said, concerning the legislative elections, that this bar of one eighth of registered voters has not always been the same.<ref>{{Cite web |year=2024 |title=Mode de scrutin des élections législatives |url=https://www.politiquemania.com/modedescrutin-legislatives.html |access-date=11 August 2024 |website=Politiquemania}}</ref>

The information below shows the different changes of this threshold:
[[File:Le_seuil_minimal_pour_être_candidat_au_2d_des_législatives_réajusté.png|thumb|264x264px|The minimum threshold to be a candidate for the legislative elections readjusted (period 1958–1997)]]

* Following the ordinances of 1958 and 1959 which re-established among other things the [[Two-round system|ywo-round system]], the minimum threshold of registered voters required to be in the second round was '''5%'''
* After law number 66-1022 was passed on December 29, 1966, the minimum threshold of registered voters required to be in the ballot changed to '''10 %''' ;<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=30 December 1966 |title=Loi n°66-1022 du 29 décembre 1966 modifiant et completant le code electoral |url=https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000000880195/ |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=Légifrance}}</ref>
* After law number 76-665 was passed on July 19, 1976, the minimum threshold of registered voters required to be in the ballot increased to: '''12.5%'''. This remains the case today.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=20 July 1976 |title=Loi n°76-665 du 19 juillet 1976 modifiant certaines dispositions du code electoral et du l'administration communale |language=fr|url=https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000000322518/ |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=Légifrance}}</ref>

The graph above is also very telling, as we see that the number of second rounds with more than two candidates collapses as the [[Electoral threshold|threshold]] is increased.

Furthermore, there were no more: sexangular; nor quinquangular after the threshold change of 1966, and the number of quadrangular elections also reduced drastically.<ref name=":0"/>

==== Depending on its nature (in % of registered or in % of expressed) ====
Finally if the threshold for remaining in the second round is a percentage of votes cast, which is the case for {{Ill|Élections régionales en France|lt=regional elections|fr|Élections régionales en France}} and [[Municipal elections in France|municipal elections]] (for municipalities with more than 1,000 inhabitants) then it is then easier for a list or for a candidate to succeed in crossing this threshold, because too low a turnout would therefore have no influence on the election.<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |date=4 March 2021 |title=Élections régionales : le mode de scrutin |url=https://www.vie-publique.fr/infographie/278811-infographie-le-mode-de-scrutin-des-elections-regionales |access-date=8 August 2024 |website=Vie publique}}</ref><ref name=":53">{{Cite web |date=4 September 2023 |title=Quel est le mode de scrutin des élections municipales dans les communes de 1 000 habitants et plus ? |url=https://www.vie-publique.fr/fiches/20204-municipales-quel-mode-de-scrutin-dans-les-communes-de-1000-hab-et-plus |access-date=8 August 2024 |website=Vie publique}}</ref>

Indeed, in the case of {{Ill|Departmental elections in France|lt=departmental elections|fr|Élections départementales en France}} and [[Legislative elections in France|legislative elections]] where a percentage threshold of registered voters is in force, candidates wishing to qualify for the second round are dependent on [[abstention]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 March 2021 |title=Élections départementales : le mode de scrutin |url=https://www.vie-publique.fr/infographie/279101-elections-departementales-le-mode-de-scrutin |access-date=8 August 2024 |website=Vie publique}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Règles du jeu, candidats… Mode d'emploi du scrutin en cinq points |url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/173598/article/2017-06-06/regles-du-jeu-candidats-mode-d-emploi-du-scrutin-en-cinq-points |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=La Voix Du Nord|date=6 June 2017 }}</ref>

=== The participation rate ===
The [[voter turnout]] is a significant factor influencing the number of three-way races in {{Ill|Departmental elections in France|lt=departmental elections|fr|Élections départementales en France}} and [[Legislative elections in France|legislative elections]].

Indeed, within the framework of a threshold of maintenance set at (12.5%) of registered voters, for 3 candidates to qualify, the 3rd must therefore win at least one eighth of the votes of registered voters. But this then assumes that at least three eighths of registered voters (37.5%) go to the polls, because if the first two candidates receive, de facto, as many or more votes as the 3rd (25% of registered voters minimum between them).

Thus, an abstention rate exceeding 62.5% prohibits any possibility of a three-way race in the second round.{{thumb|<math>\frac 1 8 \div \frac {bulletins~exprim\acute es} {nombre ~d'inscrits}</math>|légende=Calcul du seuil de maintien en voix exprimées : diviser un huitième par le taux de participation|align=right}}The calculation of the threshold for maintaining votes cast: divide one eighth by the participation rate.

From the participation rate, it is then possible to use the expression opposite to formulate the retention threshold as a percentage of votes cast..

In fact, we start from the retention threshold (12.5% or one eighth as presented in the formula) and divide it by the ratio of voters who expressed themselves to the number of registered voters.

The retention rates for certain scenarios are set out in the table below:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;font-size:90%;"
! colspan="14" |Calculation of the rate of maintenance of votes cast for 12.5% of registered voters
|-
!Registered voters who voted blank
or abstained (%)
|0
|5
|10
|15
|20
|25
|30
|33
|35
|40
|45
|50
|62.5
|-
!Registered voters who expressed their views
(%)
|100
|95
|90
|85
|80
|75
|70
|67
|65
|60
|55
|50
|37.5
|-
!Retention rate
(% expressed)
|12.5
|13.16
|13.89
|14.71
|15.625
|16.67
|17.86
|18.75
|19.23
|20.83
|22.72
|25
|33.3
|}
We then understand that the higher the participation, the more it favours the possibility of there being a triangular election because the maintenance rate, as a percentage of those expressed, is then lower.
[[File:Une_corrélation_entre_nombre_de_2d_tours_à_plus_de_deux_candidats_et_participation_loin_d'être_évidente_(législatives_sous_la_Ve_République).png|thumb|287x287px|A correlation between participation and the number of second rounds with more than two candidates is far from evident.]]
However, when comparing the evolution of the participation rate and the number of second rounds with more than two candidates during the legislative elections under the Fifth Republic, the correlation is far from obvious, as shown in the graph opposite.<ref name=":0"/><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Le Borgne |first=Brice |date=3 July 2024 |title=Législatives 2024 : triangulaires, duels... Visualisez les configurations du second tour après les nombreux désistements |url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/elections/legislatives/cartes-legislatives-2024-triangulaires-duels-visualisez-les-configurations-du-second-tour-apres-les-nombreux-desistements_6643359.html |work=France Info |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sheelah Delestre |date=8 July 2024 |title=Part des personnes inscrites sur les listes électorales ayant voté aux élections législatives en France entre 1928 et 2024, au premier et au second tour |url=https://fr.statista.com/statistiques/716531/participation-legislatives-france/ |access-date=11 August 2024 |website=Statista}}</ref>

However, from this graph we can see two things:

* Turnout must be high enough to have many second rounds with more than two candidates (1958; 1962; 1973; 1997 and 2024)
* On the other hand, if participation is very high, this does not necessarily imply a large number of second rounds with more than two candidates (1978; 1981; 1993)

Thanks to these two curves, we can then better understand the role of participation in the frequency of appearance of triangular races: the higher it is, the more it favours the possibility of there being second rounds with more than two candidates (as was explained previously)

On the other hand, the fact that participation is very high does not systematically imply that the number of triangular races is skyrocketing, for the simple reason that other factors must be taken into account.

=== Bipolarization and tripolarization ===
Another factor influencing the number of triangular races is the presence of [[partisanship]], which in France is known as [[bipolarisation]] or [[Tripartisme|tripolarisation]] .

To better understand the subject, here are some historical explanations concerning the action of these phenomena on French parliamentary life between 1958 and 1997:

* Before the 1970s and 1980s, there were not, strictly speaking, two major political forces in opposition. Indeed, the [[SFIO]] (then the [[Federation of the Democratic and Socialist Left|FGDS]]), the socialists, and the [[French Communist Party|PCF]] the communists, did not stand down to help each other, although they were both left-wing. Similarly, the currents ranging from the radicals to the moderate right opposed the candidates of the Gaullist party. A form of [[Multi-party system|multi-party democracy]] dominated at that time.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Elections législatives 1958-2012 |url=https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/elections-legislatives-1958-2012/ |access-date=2 October 2016 |website=data.gouv.fr}}.</ref>
* The bipolarization of parliamentary life was, on the other hand, fully acquired between the elections of 1978 and 1986. Indeed, during this period, we find two large coalitions which alternately hold power: the parliamentary right (composed of the [[Rally for the Republic|RPR]] and the [[Union for French Democracy|UDF]]) and the parliamentary left (composed of the socialists and the communists) <ref name=":4" /><ref name=":0"/>
* But from the [[1986 French legislative election|1986 elections]], Jean-Marie Le Pen's [[National Front (France)|National Front]] began to gain momentum during the legislative elections. More particularly in [[1997 French legislative election|1997]], his party made a fairly significant breakthrough. Although the FN's score was respectable in the first round, it won very few seats in the [[National Assembly (France)|National Assembly]], in particular because of withdrawals in order to form 
* "a [[Republican Front (French Fifth Republic)|Republican Front]]" against the [[extreme right]]. We cannot truly speak of tripolarization, because [[Jean-Marie Le Pen]]'s party had too little presence in the chamber, but we can still point to the rise of a third camp in French political life.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Florian Gouthière |date=25 June 2024 |title=Législatives : triangulaires, conditions de maintien au second tour... quelles conséquences à la hausse de la participation ? |url=https://www.liberation.fr/checknews/legislatives-la-forte-participation-annoncee-implique-t-elle-la-multiplication-des-triangulaires-au-second-tour-20240625_UDXGBU6ST5AAJBNDKEQ6P3GTZI/ |access-date=10 August 2024 |periodical=[[Libération]]}}</ref>

The relationship between bipolarization, tripolarization and the number of second rounds is therefore as follows:

In the event of bipolarization, voters will massively shift to two political camps (in a more or less balanced way). In this situation, the other candidates will then receive very few votes: in general, they will not reach the minimum threshold of registered voters to qualify for the second round.

Bipolarization thus favours duels between two parties.

On the other hand, in the event of tripolarization, the votes of the French will be distributed in particular among 3 political groups (in a more or less balanced way). Thus, in this situation and with a fairly good turnout, the three candidates will be selected in the second round.

Tripolarization thus favours triangular elections.

By superimposing this influence factor on the curve of second rounds with more than two candidates during the legislative elections (1958 - 1997), the correlation is more accurate.
[[File:Influence_de_la_bipolarisation_;_de_la_tripolarisation_et_du_multipartisme_dans_le_nombre_de_2d_tours_aux_légslatives_françaises_(1958_-_1997).png|thumb|270x270px|Influence of bipolarization, tripolarization and multiparty-ism on the number of 2nd rounds in French legislative elections (period 1958 - 1997)]]

* During the period when multipartyism dominated, many second rounds took place with more than two candidates. Also, we note more precisely the presence of quadrangular, quinquangular and sexangular: this would not happen again during the century after the 1973 elections, the last marked by multipartyism
* During the period of bipolarization, the number of triangular races collapses, to only one occurrence for each election
* Finally, as the National Front began to gain momentum around 1986, the number of second rounds with more than two candidates rose again, reaching a fairly high figure in 1997. Indeed, during these elections, Jean-Marie Le Pen's party made a breakthrough: the number of three-way contests peaked at 79 (105 before the withdrawals)<ref name=":0"/>

=== Withdrawals ===
Finally, a final crucial factor in understanding the number of triangular elections is the phenomenon of withdrawal from the second round.

Indeed, in the case of the [[2024 French legislative election]] in which 89 triangular races were recorded.<ref name=":6" /> This number may be surprising because it represents only ten more than in the [[1997 French legislative election]], in a context where the National Front collected far fewer votes than the National Rally, and where the tripolarization of French political was similar to 2024.

To understand, you have to know that before the withdrawals, the number of three-way races was 306, a value in line with the context of tripolarization and high participation mentioned above. In the end, no less than two thirds of the three-way races were cancelled, because many candidates withdrew. The reason is as follows: while the National Rally came out on top in the first round in many constituencies, the presidential majority and the new popular front decided to withdraw their candidates who came in third place, in order to "block the extreme right" and form a "[[Republican Front (French Fifth Republic)|Republican Front]]".<ref name=":6"/>

This process of withdrawing the least well-placed candidates to prevent the first from winning the election had already happened before, but in a much less widespread way.

The lowest placed candidates having withdrawn, this explains why the number of real three-way races is not as high as one might think.

=== Synthesis ===
To summarize the different factors impacting the number of triangular elections and their influence, here is a summary table:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Influencing factor
!Nature of influence
|-
|Minimum threshold required to qualify for the 2nd round in % of votes cast
|increase
|-
|Minimum threshold required to qualify for the 2nd round in % of registrants
|decrease
|-
|Lowering of the minimum threshold required to qualify for the 2nd round
|increase
|-
|Increase in the minimum threshold required to qualify for the 2nd round
|decrease
|-
|High participation
|increase*
|-
|High abstention
|decrease*
|-
|Bipolarization
|decrease
|-
|Tripolarization or multipartyism
|increase
|-
|Disclaimers
|decrease
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Note that in the case of regional and municipal elections (of more than 1000 inhabitants) where the retention threshold is calculated from the number of votes cast, the participation rate has no influence on the number of three-way races.<ref name=":32"/><ref name=":53"/>

== More than three candidates ==
Beyond the triangular election scenario, quadrangular, quinquangular, sexangular, heptangular or even octangular elections may also occur, during which four, five, six, seven or eight candidates respectively remain in the second round. These situations, more common during regional and municipal elections, remain extremely rare during legislative elections.{{Cn|date=February 2025}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Elections in France]]
[[Category:Politics of France]]
[[Category:Numbering in politics]]