Overseas French voted to elect a councillor

There are 4,378 voters registered in the consular register of the French Consulate in Puducherry, most of them in the Union Territory of Puducherry. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

French overseas nationals in Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Kerala cast their votes in the elections for councilors for the French living abroad, who form the link between the expatriate community and the French authorities.

There are 4,378 voters registered in the consular register of the French Consulate in Puducherry, most of them in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The consulate organized the elections in four polling stations – two in Puducherry, one in Chennai and one in Karajkal.

Voting took place from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m

Elected by direct universal suffrage for a six-year term, the members of the Council represent French citizens residing abroad and sit on the Consular Council. They are consulted on matters concerning the French community, including scholarships for education, social assistance and support for local French associations.

According to the French Consulate, these “councilors for the French living abroad”, or advisers, represent French nationals in their constituency, but do not represent the state or government of France, a role assumed by ambassadors and consuls-general.

They also participate in the elections of senators representing French citizens settled outside France, thereby maintaining a direct democratic link between French nationals abroad and the institutions of the French Republic.

Consular elections in 2026 are taking place around the world. In the Puducherry constituency, voters will elect three councillors.

There are 433 councilors for the French living abroad worldwide. These councilors, in turn, form part of the electoral college that votes to represent French citizens in the Assembly of French Citizens Abroad and for members of the Senate, the upper house of the French Parliament.

According to Etienne Rolland-Piegue, Consul General of France in Puducherry and Chennai, “These elections are an important democratic moment for our community. I encourage every registered voter to participate in this important civic exercise.”

Published – 31 May 2026 23:57 IST