Certainly, the televised debate between Ségolène Royal and Nicolas Sarkozy had rekindled the electoral spirit, but despite not being eternal, it gradually diminishes, giving way to an undoubtedly justified impatience after months of campaigns and various polls.
Many were in the race at the beginning, but only one will cross the finish line on Sunday around 7 p.m. for the insiders and 8 p.m. for the majority of voters.
“Yes, this campaign was interesting, but it was also very long. Newspapers, radio, television, the presidential fever has set in everywhere and it’s morning, noon, and night that we ingest the statements and programs of each candidate. In the long run, it ended up being tiring,” said Albert, who voted in the first round and will also be present for the second, not hiding his relief to be done with this election which seems to have frozen time and decisions in the country.
“It’s the first time I’ve taken a close interest in the presidential election and I must admit that I’m starting to find it a bit long. What I regret is that the presidential election has been overused, and some of it was frankly indigestible. I can’t wait to know the name of our next President,” said Virginie, a recent graduate who has entered the world of politics even attending some meetings. “I went to see Ségolène Royal and Nicolas Sarkozy because I wanted to see for myself what a meeting was like. I am surprised by the enthusiasm of the activists and I don’t feel ready to take that step.”
It remains to be seen whether the weariness will be felt in the polling stations this Sunday and if the French will turn out in large numbers as in the first round to decide if Ségolène Royal or Nicolas Sarkozy will be proclaimed winner of this new race to the Élysée. Certainly, the UMP candidate seems to have a comfortable lead on pollsters’ boards but nothing is ever played out in politics and the memory of 2002 is tangible proof.
So, as the saying goes, “In May, do as you please,” in summary, “in May, go vote.”
