France Sets March 2026 Municipal Elections Amid Major Voting Reforms

Several regions around the world are preparing for significant local elections in late 2025 and early 2026, featuring key reforms and historic milestones. France will hold its municipal elections in March 2026, introducing a new voting system in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille that separates local and central city council elections, marking a significant change in city governance. Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the Philippines has begun its historic campaign for the first parliamentary elections since its establishment, a crucial step in the ongoing peace process. In the United States, Cibola County, New Mexico, is in the early stages of its 2025 local election season, with candidate filings underway for city council and school board positions. In India, Telangana is moving forward with preparations for local body elections, including the publication of electoral rolls, despite pending legislative approvals. Additionally, Southland in New Zealand faces environmental and leadership challenges ahead of its October 2025 regional elections, with questions about balancing infrastructure needs and environmental protection shaping the political discourse.