French consular elections: how does it work?
Consular elections 2026: what is it all about?
The consular elections allow French citizens living abroad who are registered on the consular electoral rolls to elect, by direct universal suffrage:
- the Councillors for the French Citizens from abroad (CFE) and
- the consular delegates.
This is a single-round list-based voting system with proportional representation. Every vote counts! Get involved!
The Councillors for the French Citizens from Abroad are local elected representatives who represent French residents living outside metropolitan France in their constituencies, liaising with local institutions. They participate in the election of the members of the Assembly of French Citizens Abroad (AFE).
The councillors and delegates for the French Citizens from Abroad form part of the senatorial electoral college responsible for electing the senators representing French citizens abroad.
At the end of May 2026, 433 Councillors for the French Citizens from Abroad and 77 delegates will be elected for a 6-year term. In the United Kingdom, 9 Councillors for French Citizens Abroad and 12 delegates will be elected by proportional representation.
📅 Key dates
To vote in the 2026 consular elections, you must be registered on a consular electoral roll before 24 April 2026.
Voting will be possible:
🖥️ online from 22 to 27 May 2026
🗳️ at the ballot box on 31 May 2026.
Every vote counts — Register and vote!
The senior electors and the senatorial elections
The 21 elected representatives of the United Kingdom — 9 councillors and 12 delegates — are also, by virtue of their position, senior electors (grands électeurs). As such, they take part in the election of the senators representing French citizens established outside France.
France has 12 senators representing French citizens from abroad. In September 2026, 6 of these 12 seats will be renewed. Your vote in the consular elections therefore also determines who will elect your senators!
Image Credit: Consulat Général de France à Londres