French expats turn out in record numbers

Dubai: The turnout of French expatriates at the voting station in Dubai yesterday was the best to date with 3,100 people registered, about a third more than during the previous election in 2002. The queue formed before the doors opened at the Alliance Francaise at 8am and the fast influx of people created an hour's waiting time before they could reach the ballot box.

French Consul General Robert Jongeryck said the number of people was impressive and far more than ever before, as the number of French expatriates here has increased.

For Pascale Gelineau, Dubai resident of 10 years and returning to France later this year, carrying out her "civic duty" is very important. "This year I think it's even more important that I vote because I am going back home after 10 years and I am voting for change. I really believe that these elections are very important for the youth and that there needs to be a shake up, for their sake at least," she said. "The second round will be important and I think we'll see more people voting in these elections than in the past," she added.

Very important

Roman Machover, in Dubai for four years said he was going to vote for the opposition. "Last time we voted with our hearts but it didn't work and it didn't get us anywhere," he said

Mazen Khoury, also in Dubai for four years agreed and said he follows politics closely and really hopes Nicolas Sarkozy, one of the frontrunners, does not make it through to the second round. "I think voting today is very important ... I have no plans to go home any time soon but I am really keen to see what the turnout is going to be," he said.