France, March 19 -- Most of France's roughly 35,000 communes elected their local councils last weekend in the first round of the municipal elections, held nationwide every six years.

But in districts where the race is more competitive, including most big cities, the elections go to a second round this Sunday. 

The week between the two rounds is crucial: it's when parties decide whether to run together, to drop out and throw their weight behind an ally, or to go it alone. 

With the deadline to finalise lists now passed, we now know the shape the second round will take - and it could set the scene for France's presidential vote, just over a year away. 

"These elections are completely different, if only in terms of vo...