Polling stations opened on the French mainland on Sunday for the decisive round of a presidential election between centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right candidate Marine Le Pen.
Nearly 47 million voters are expected to cast their ballots on Sunday in more than 66,000 polling stations in France. Polling agency projections and initial official results are expected as soon as the final stations close at 8 p.m. local time (1800 GMT).
Both the candidates, Macron and Le Pen, have cast their ballots in the final round.
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Outgoing French president Francois Hollande, who has publicly endorsed Macron, has also voted.
Lower turnout
Turnout was 65.3 percent at 5 p.m. local time (1500 GMT), according to the interior ministry. Turnout was 71.96 percent at the same juncture in 2012.
Even in the final stages of the race many voters remain dissatisfied with both candidates and their political views. Polls suggest that around a quarter of voters are expected to abstain from voting, also known as a "blank vote." It is expected to be the second highest abstention rate since 1965.
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Two very different futures
Whoever wins the election will face various problems, including a weak economy, high unemployment and a string of security concerns.
If Macron wins, the pro-Europe, pro-business centrist ex-economy minister will step onto an uneven road and face greater challenges.
CGTN Photo
If Le Pen wins, the anti-immigration and anti-EU far-rightist's plan for France would be simple: a divorce from the EU, leaving no questions other than when and how.
CGTN Photo
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