Candidate Evaluations and Presidential Electoral Choices in France
Following an overview of French presidential elections, their organization, & the issue of candidate information dissemination, the impact of leadership qualities & personal attributes on voting behavior & electoral outcomes is assessed for elections, 1965-1995, drawing on a variety of sources. Much attention is given to the degree to which the constitutional standing of the French presidency promotes strong leadership & how the electoral system proceeds in a manner that directs increasing scrutiny on individual candidates. Analysis of each election indicates that such candidate-centered variables are but one factor among many that influence outcomes. In general, while the French system seems an appropriate milieu for candidates to stress their leadership qualities, findings do not bear this out. However, focusing on the traditional left-right division, some support is found for the hypothesis that the strength of the left-right orientation's impact is undercut in elections where personal qualities are stronger. 4 Tables. J. Zendejas