France stands as one of the earliest modern republics, and India drew inspiration from France’s constitution when adopting the term “republic.”
Both the President of India and the President of France hold the esteemed position of executive head of their respective states. Furthermore, in their role as executive heads, they enjoy ceremonial positions as commanders-in-chief of their armed forces.
Similarities in the Election Procedures for the Presidents of India and France:
• Elections are conducted every five years.
• The election process entails multiple rounds until a candidate secures an absolute majority.
• Both Presidents must achieve an absolute majority, albeit from different electorates, to emerge victorious in the election.
Dissimilarities in the Election Procedures for the Presidents of India and France:
• The President of France is elected through universal adult suffrage, while the President of India is elected by the elected members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.
• Nomination for the President of India necessitates 50 electors as proposers and 50 electors as seconders, whereas the President of France requires 500 elected officials as proposers.
• The French presidential election consists of two rounds. In the first round, voters have the liberty to select any candidate who has garnered the required 500 signatures. If no candidate secures an absolute majority, a second round is conducted, wherein voters can only choose between the top two candidates from the preceding rounds.
• Unlike the Indian Presidential election, the French Presidential election does not incorporate the concept of security deposits.
Conclusion/Way forward:
Consequently, while similarities and dissimilarities abound in the election procedures for the Presidents of India and France, their roles as heads of their respective republics, along with their unwavering dedication to fostering national progress, development, and social harmony, remain equally paramount, notwithstanding the disparities in their election processes.