Macron and Le Pen in French election run-off

Emmanuel Macron (left) and Marine Le Pen cast their votes early on Sunday

French voters are choosing their next president after an unpredictable campaign that has divided the country.

The second round contest pits centrist Emmanuel Macron, a 39-year-old former investment banker, against the far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen, 48.

Voter turnout was 28.2% by 12:00 local time (10:00 GMT), lower than that of previous presidential elections.

The vote is being closely watched across Europe, as the results could affect the future of the EU.
The polls opened in metropolitan France at 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT) on Sunday and close at 19:00 (17:00 GMT).


Polling stations will remain open in some big cities until 20:00 local time (18:00 GMT), with early estimates of the result due to be reported immediately after they close.

Over 50,000 police officers have been deployed to maintain security.

What is the choice facing voters?

The two candidates have offered voters starkly different visions of France. Mr Macron, a liberal centrist, is pro-business and a strong supporter of the European Union (EU), while Ms Le Pen campaigned on a France-first, anti-immigration programme.

She wants France to abandon the euro in the domestic economy, and hold a referendum on France's EU membership.

Polls suggest Mr Macron will win the vote, but analysts have said high abstention rates could damage his chances.

By noon, the turnout was lower than that of the 2012 elections (30.7%) and the 2007 elections (34.11%) at the same point in time.