Vow not to vote for 'extremists'

Dubai: As French expatriates prepared to vote for the presidential elections today, most had mixed feelings as to which candidate would get their vote.

All, however, agreed that they had no intention of voting for "extremist" candidates.

Voting will commence today in the UAE where polling stations have been set up for French citizens in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Out of 12 candidates, four are believed to be front runners: Nicolas Sarkozy of the centre-right UMP (Union pour un Mouvement Populaire), Segolene Royal, representing the Socialist party, Francoise Bayrou from the UDF (Union pour la Democratie Francaise), and Jean Marie Le Pen of the far-right National Front.

Marketing executive Victoire, 29, says that it is crucial that no "extremists" make it to the second round of elections, recalling the "shameful experience" of the 2002 presidential elections when Le Pen reached the second round of elections.

'Dreadful'

"I know who not to vote for: Le Pen and Sarkozy. They are dangerous," she told Gulf News. Although not entirely convinced by any of the candidates, Victoire said she would vote for Royal.

According to a French expatriate who has been in Dubai for 9 years with no plans to return, the candidates are "dreadful'. "They seem disconnected from reality. A study showed that since 2002, the number of French moving abroad has more than doubled," he said, pointing to the figure as proof that "things are getting worse".

For Edith, this year marks the first time she would be voting in presidential elections outside France.

'Borderline views'

Although not sure of whom to vote for, she says that she will not vote for Sarkozy, saying she was opposed to his "borderline" views on immigrants, and his "pro-American" policies.

"I'm particularly worried that Sarkozy is trying to get votes from Le Pen supporters."

Ali M., 27, a site engineer in Dubai believes the media frenzy surrounding Sarkozy is mere hype and French people will not elect him because is an immigrant, something French people will not settle for. "Even if he makes it to the second round, people will not vote for him.

"I don't think the French want a woman president either," he added.

Jerome, who has been living in Dubai for two years, said he "certainly won't be voting for an extremist". According to him, French people learned a "lesson" from the 2002 elections, referring to Le Pen's surprise gains.

Voting at embassy and consulate

French nationals who want to vote abroad need to have registered at the Consulate or Embassy to do so and will have been sent details of the location of the voting station. Voting will take place between 8am and 6pm.