(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Adults in France are split on whether to allow residents from countries that do not belong to the European Union (EU) to take part in some democratic processes, according to two recent polls.

In a survey by CSA for La Lettre de la Citoyenneté, 45 per cent of respondents supported a plan to allow foreigners from non-EU countries to vote in local and European elections, while 52 per cent were opposed.

In a poll by Ifop for Le Journal du Dimanche, 63 per cent of respondents favoured allowing foreigners from non-European countries who have been in France for more than 10 years to vote in local elections.

Interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy—mentioned as a possible presidential nominee for the governing centre-right Union for a Popular Movement (UMP)—has advocated for an extension of voting rights for France's non-citizens.

The next presidential election in France is tentatively scheduled for April 2007, with a ballot for the National Assembly expected in June 2007.

Polling Data

CSA Question - Foreigners from countries that belong to the European Union (EU) who reside in France can vote in local and European elections. Would you strongly favour, somewhat favour, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose allowing foreigners from non-EU countries to vote in local and European elections?

Ifop Question - Would you strongly favour, somewhat favour, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose allowing all foreigners from non-European countries who have been in France for more than 10 years to vote in local elections?

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