PARIS, French voters cast their ballots in a decisive second round of the parliamentary elections, which would see fierce competition between President Emmanuel Macron?’s Ensemble (Together) coalition and the new Social Popular Union (Nupes).

Macron, who was re-elected for a second term in April, pinned high hopes on winning the second round to maintain a majority in the 577-seat National Assembly.

Together alliance won 25.75 percent of votes in the first round against 25.66 percent for Nupes, headed by Jean-Luc Melenchon and encompasses La France Insoumise, the Greens, Socialists and French Community Party.

Nupes are projected to win 170-220 seats, and thus expected to force a coalition government with Macron.

The National Rally of far-right Marine Le Pen, who lost to Macron in the presidential elections, came third in the first round with 18.68 percent of votes.

Elections are held at a time consumer price index showing an increase in basic food items, fuel and other consumable goods, and the government is unable to address the price increase.

The high prices issue frustrated voters and many refrained from voting in the first round. The Interior Ministry said 52.80 percent of voters failed to cast their ballots, up from 51.30 percent in 2017.

Macron urged the French to vote for his alliance. “We need a strong majority in order to maintain order within our borders and externally. We must defend our institutions against those to challenge and weaken them.” Fourteen ministers are running in elections too and they would lose their portfolios if they lose.

Melenchon, who wanted to reduce retirement age, urged the French people to seize Macron?’s inability to secure a majority by voting for Nupes.

A coalition needs to control 289 seats to secure a majority.

The first round of elections, held last Sunday, saw participation of 6,293 candidates.

Legislative elections are held every five years.

Source: Kuwait News Agency