**France's Big City Mayors to be Decided in Sunday's Local Elections** This Sunday, voters in France's major cities will head to the polls to decide who will run their local governments. The outcome of these elections is not just about choosing mayors and councillors, but also provides clues on the direction French voters are heading in, ahead of the presidential election next year. Most of France's nearly 35,000 communes held their local council elections last weekend, with some of the bigger cities going to a second round. This round is crucial as parties decide whether to form alliances, drop out and support a friendly candidate, or go solo. The last week has seen party leaders finalize their strategies, and it's now clear how the second round will play out. This outcome may set the stage for France's presidential election, which is just over a year away. According to Frédéric Dabi, head of the polling institute Ifop, these local elections are unique in terms of voter turnout, but still have an impact on the national scene. "These elections create momentum, provide a boost, and establish a narrative," he said. For many Nigerians, France's system of government might seem complex, but it's worth noting that France holds municipal elections every six years, with two rounds taking place this year on March 15 and 22. In the first round, lists with over 50% of the vote win control of the local council. If no list achieves this, the top three lists with at least 10% of the vote proceed to a second round, where any list with at least 5% can merge with a larger list. The outcome of these elections will be closely watched in France and around the world, as they provide insight into the country's politics and the direction of its voters ahead of the presidential election. As Nigeria's own elections draw near, it's interesting to see how other countries approach their electoral processes and what lessons can be learned from their experiences.