Veteran French President Jacques Chirac is set to give a TV speech in which he is widely expected to rule out seeking a third term in office in April's poll.
Veteran French President Jacques Chirac has confirmed in a TV address that he will not be seeking a third term in office in April's poll.
Mr Chirac, who has been president since 1995, will give a televised address to the nation at 2000 (1900 GMT).
Mr Chirac, 74, has been president since 1995 and has had a political career spanning four decades.
Observers believe he will use it to announce the end of a political career that has spanned over four decades.
He hinted in recent days that he was planning for life after politics.
The first round of presidential polling takes place on 22 April and nominations close on 16 March.
Recent polls show Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy has a narrow lead over his Socialist rival, Segolene Royal, ahead of the 22 April poll.
Mr Chirac has been keeping his options open, but has hinted in recent days that he is planning for life after politics.
Mr Sarkozy, who has won backing from the governing centre-right UMP party, said he hoped to receive Mr Chirac's endorsement.
Analysts say his opinion ratings are low and he is unlikely to stand again at the age of 74.
Current presidential front-runner Nicolas Sarkozy, who has won backing from the governing centre-right UMP party, said he hoped to receive Mr Chirac's endorsement.
Mr Sarkozy tops the opinion polls in a tight race with the two other leading candidates, socialist Segolene Royal and centrist Francois Bayrou.
