French primary to anoint Sarkozy

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France's governing UMP party has begun its primary to select its candidate for this year's presidential election - with only one man on the shortlist.

Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy was the only entrant by Sunday's deadline.

The primary is being conducted on the internet. Some 327,000 members of the centre-right UMP are eligible to vote.

While Mr Sarkozy is virtually assured of the UMP nomination, President Jacques Chirac has not ruled out running on an independent ticket.

Candidates have until 16 March to gather 500 signatures of support from elected officials, and declare their intention to contest the election, the first round of which will be held in April.

The result of the UMP's online primary, which will continue for 10 days, will be announced on 14 January.

Online messages

It is the first time the internet has played such a central role in the run-up to a French presidential election.

Both main parties have conducted pre-primary debates online, and the main contenders also used the net to convey their New Year's messages.

Segolene Royal's New Year message was deliberately informal

While Mr Sarkozy's method of delivery was modern, however, the style was traditional, with the interior minister dressed in a sombre suit and standing in front of the UMP symbol.

"Believe me, if France is happy, your families will be too. I'm counting on you, I need you," he appealed.

In contrast, Segolene Royal, the candidate for the Socialist Party, appeared relaxed and without make-up in an informal broadcast, with Christmas lights in the background.

"I want a new republic that serves its citizens, built in co-operation with the people and founded on everyday life," she said.

The far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen has also delivered messages and rallied support via the internet.

Recent opinion polls suggest Mr Sarkozy and Ms Royal are running neck-and-neck, with Mr Le Pen, who came second in the 2002 election, in third place.