Overseas French nationals in Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala cast their ballots in the election to the post of Councillors for the French living abroad, who liason between the expatriate community and the French authorities.

There are 4,378 voters registered in the consular registry of the French consulate in Puducherry, with a majority of them in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The Consulate organised the elections across four polling stations - two in Puducherry, one in Chennai, and one in Karaikal.

Voting was held from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Elected by direct universal suffrage for a six-year-term, the Councilors represent French citizens residing abroad and sit on the Consular Council. They are consulted on matters affecting the French community, including educational scholarships, social assistance and support for local French associations.

According to the French Consulate, these ‘councillors for the French living abroad’, or advisers represent the French nationals in their constituency, but do not represent the State or the Government of France, a role assumed by the Ambassadors and Consuls General.

They also participate in the election of senators representing French citizens established outside France, thereby maintaining a direct democratic link between French nationals abroad and the institutions of the French republic.

The 2026 Consular elections are being held worldwide. In the Puducherry constituency, voters will elect three Councillors.

Worldwide, there are 433 councilors for French living abroad. In turn, these councilors form part of an electoral college that votes for the representation of French citizens at the Assembly of French Citizens abroad and for members of the Senate, the French Parliament’s Upper House.

According to Etienne Rolland-Piegue, Consul General of France in Puducherry and Chennai, “This election is an important democratic moment for our community. I encourage every registered voter to participate in this important civic exercise.”