PUDUCHERRY: A retired headmaster from a French government school, Alavandane Ramakichenane, would be contesting the French Parliamentary elections.
Ramakichenane, a French citizen of Puducherry origin, introduced himself as an independent candidate contesting from the 11th constituency for the 14th National Assembly (lower house of Parliament of France) to be held on June 3 and 17.
The 2012 general election would take place in 577 constituencies, 566 of which were in France and 11 constituencies overseas. For the first time, French citizens living overseas would have an opportunity to get elected to the National Assembly after France modified its electoral system. Ramakichenane served in various countries (erstwhile French territories) and French territories like Reunion Island and hoped to get votes from the electorate of the 11th constituency. The 11th constituency had 49 countries, including India, China and Russia. According to him, the constituency had 1,14,826 voters.
For a man who had been a teacher, this transition was to address concerns, particularly in the areas of education, health care and social security. “The reason is simple: we live with you in the same constituency,” said Ramakichenane. A retired person would find ample time to look into the problems of French nationals living abroad, he said. He assured that if elected, he would strive to provide free education to the French in Puducherry, as was the case in France, and improve the health facilities. His substitute candidate (who would replace him in case of death) is Cannabirane, a computer engineer and proprietor of a guest house.
The first round of voting would be on June 3, 2012 and the second round on June 17. The two top candidates would contest the second round.