Initial official results from France’s first-round presidential election show populist leader Marine Le Pen and centrist Emmanuel Macron leading.
The two will advance to the May 7 runoff, after rivals conceded defeat.
With 91 percent of the vote counted, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday night that Macron was leading with 23.51 percent, followed by Le Pen with 22.06 percent.
Emmanuel Macron greets supporters after winning the most votes in the first round of the French presidential elections. /VCG Photo
Polling agency projections show Macron in the lead with between 23 and 24 percent, followed by Le Pen with between 21 and 23 percent.
In a victory speech, Macron told supporters of his fledgling En Marche! (Onwards!) movement: "In one year, we have changed the face of French politics." He went on to say he would bring in new faces and talent to transform a stale political system if elected.
National Front leader Marine Le Pen receives flowers as she addresses activists at the Espace Francios Mitterrand on April 23, 2017 in Henin Beaumont. / CFP photo
Front National leader Marine Le Pen said that her party will represent “the great alternative” to the French people, after it became clear that she would make it to the second round.
The success of the two candidates leaves the May 7 runoff without a mainstream political candidate for the first time in modern French history. For the Socialist candidate Benoit Hamon, it was also the worst performance by a center-left candidate since 1969.
A demonstrator reacts towards French riot police during clashes, after partial
results in the first round of 2017 French presidential election, in Paris,
France April 23, 2017. / Reuters
Protesters had gathered at the Place de la Bastille to show their anger at Le Pen advancing to the May 7 runoff of the presidential election.
At least three people were detained and two injured in election night protests
in Paris on Sunday, as demonstrators burned a number of cars and dodged riot
police.
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