Smooth symmetric systems over a finite field and applications

We study the set of common $F_q$–rational solutions of “smooth” systems of multivariate symmetric polynomials with coefficients in a finite field $F_q$. We show that, under certain conditions, the set of common solutions of such polynomial systems over the algebraic closure of $F_q$ has a “good” geometric behavior. This allows us to obtain precise estimates on the corresponding number of common $F_q$–rational solutions. In the case of hypersurfaces we are able to strengthen the results. We illustrate the interest of these estimates through their application to certain classical combinatorial problems over finite fields.