France votes with Macron seeking new term 

Opinion polls show Macron leading Le Pen in first round of presidential elections

French President Emmanuel Macron faced a tough test on Sunday seeking re-election in a vote projected to produce a tight run-off with far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

Polls opened in mainland France at 0600 GMT after an unusual campaign overshadowed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that analysts warned could lead to unpredictable outcomes with turnout a major factor.

Early indications showed that turnout was around three percentage points lower than at the same stage in 2017, although above 2002 when record numbers of French stayed away.

Opinion polls predict that Mr. Macron will lead Ms. Le Pen by a handful of percentage points in round one, with the two going through to a second-round vote on April 24.

Far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon is snapping at their heels in third place and still fancies his chances of reaching the second round at the expense of Ms. Le Pen or even — in what would be an extraordinary upset — President Macron himself.

Mr. Macron cast his ballot in Le Touquet on the northern French coast, accompanied by wife Brigitte.

Ms. Le Pen voted in Henin-Beaumont, also in the north of the country while Mr. Melenchon cast his ballot in the southern Marseille.