The UMP’s disputed leadership election could have important implications for democratic politics in France

Following their defeat in May’s Presidential election and the loss of their parliamentary majority in June’s legislative elections, this week saw France’s UMP party hold a leadership contest. The result, which was officially decided by less than a hundred votes, has been heavily disputed by the losing candidate, François Fillon. Françoise Boucek writes that the controversy threatens to factionalise the UMP, which in turn may reduce its ability to check the dominance of the French Socialist Party.