I gather from your account that you have to poll at least 2% to get on first name terms with the electorate. Everyone under 2% is listed by their initial and surname only!

Why does it take the French two rounds of voting to decide an election? In Ireland, it's hard enough yo get people to come out to vote once,  but you get to order the candidates 1,2,3,4... in order of you're choice and your vote is transferred to your next preference if you're higher preference is eliminated.  More fun than having just one candidate to vote for, and you can give your no. 1 to a no hoper candidate you want to encourage and still have a say in deciding the final victor.

Index of Frank's Diaries