France holds a presidential election in April 2017. The law technically does not permit independent candidates for President in France. But a group has organized to create a method for an independent to run. The selection process is open to any candidate who is not a member of a party. Any voter will be free to participate in the group’s selection process, in a manner reminiscent of Americans Elect in the U.S. during 2011 and early 2012.

Afterwards, the group will create a party just for the purpose of placing that individual on the ballot. See this story. Candidates for President of France get on the ballot by obtaining the signatures of 500 mayors. Even the tiniest towns in France have their own Mayor, and many of them on principle will sign for anyone. Generally at least 12 individuals get on the ballot for President of France.