France on Saturday prepared for the first round of presidential elections projected to produce a run-off rematch between President Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen that will be far tighter than their duel five years ago.
All further political activity by candidates was banned on the final day before polls open in mainland France at 0600 GMT on Sunday, after a campaign overshadowed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
But analysts warn that the outcome remains highly volatile with uncertainty remaining over turnout and some observers fearing a quarter of the electorate may stay away in a possible record boycott of the vote. "There is an uncertainty ahead of the first round," said French political scientist Pascal Perrineau, pointing to unprecedently high numbers of voters who were still undecided or who had changed their minds during the campaign as well as absentee voters.
He would be the first French president since Jacques Chirac in 2002 to win a second term and thus cement a place in the country's history.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Macron warns of 'difficult scenes' to come in Ukraine's Donbas'This war is unfortunately not going to stop in the coming days,' Macron told RTL radio, adding that he saw little chance of 'diplomatic concessions' from Russian President Vladimir Putin anytime soon.
Read more »
France is 'ready' to ban Russian oil after train station massacre | BusinessinsiderFrance is 'ready' to ban Russian oil after Ukrainian officials said dozens of evacuating civilians were killed in a Russian rocket attack on a train station, according to France's finance minister. | BISouthAfrica
Read more »
Lebo Mothiba earns acclaim with Troyes in FranceBafana Bafana striker Lebo Mothiba is earning acclaim in France after making an impressive return to action from a long-term injury. Read more here ➡️
Read more »
Audio records moments as Air France pilot struggles to control Boeing 777 — aborts landing in Paris | BusinessinsiderA tense cockpit recording revealed the moments an Air France pilot struggled to control his Boeing 777 during an aborted landing in Paris on Tuesday. | BISouthAfrica
Read more »
Strong dollar juices European stocksA strong dollar helped boost European equities Friday, while the euro hit a one-month dollar low before France's presidential election.
Read more »