Voting begins as Macron seeks a second term in a tight French election
Key Takeaways:
- France has completed the first round of voting in a presidential election that is anticipated to pit President Emmanuel Macron against far-right leader Marine Le Pen.
- Macron will defeat Le Pen by a few percentage points in the first round, with the top two candidates going to the second round on April 24.
On Sunday, France voted in the first round of a presidential election that is expected to create a rematch between incumbent Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen in a run-off election that will be significantly closer than their first contest five years ago.
After an unprecedented campaign overshadowed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which analysts warned might lead to surprising outcomes with attendance a crucial role, polls opened in mainland France at 0600 GMT.
The tiny island of Saint Pierre and Miquelon off the coast of Canada was the first to vote on Saturday to account for the time difference, followed by territories in the Caribbean and finally French Pacific islands.
"Voting is crucial because it allows you to pick between the good and the bad. After all, the president will be in charge of your life, "Annette Tehariki, a 57-year-old French Polynesian voter, agreed.
According to polls, Macron will win the first round by a few percentage points over Le Pen, with the top two candidates advancing to the second round on April 24.
In third place, far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon is closing in on them and still believes he has a chance to get to the second round at the expense of Le Pen or, in a stunning shock, President Macron himself.
Although her rivals accuse her of being an extremist intent on separating society, Le Pen has tried to portray a more moderate image and concern for voters' everyday concerns, such as rising prices, with some success during the campaign.
On the other hand, Macron has campaigned sparingly, admitting that the situation in Ukraine forced him to join the election campaign later than he would have liked.
As soon as the polls shut at 1800 GMT on Sunday, French television channels will show forecasts of the final results, which are normally very accurate.