This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/6629077.stm

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Voting brisk as the French decide Voting brisk as the French decide
(30 minutes later)
France is reporting record turnout as voters choose between socialist Segolene Royal and conservative Nicolas Sarkozy for their next president.France is reporting record turnout as voters choose between socialist Segolene Royal and conservative Nicolas Sarkozy for their next president.
In a hotly contested ballot, it had hit nearly 35% by midday - the highest morning turnout for a presidential vote in more than three decades.In a hotly contested ballot, it had hit nearly 35% by midday - the highest morning turnout for a presidential vote in more than three decades.
The two rivals are bidding to succeed Jacques Chirac after 12 years.The two rivals are bidding to succeed Jacques Chirac after 12 years.
Ms Royal has suggested a Sarkozy win might spark riots. Mr Sarkozy accused her of verbal violence.Ms Royal has suggested a Sarkozy win might spark riots. Mr Sarkozy accused her of verbal violence.
Polls opened at 0800 (0600 GMT) for mainland France's 43.5 million voters. Polls opened at 0800 (0600 GMT) for mainland France's 43.5 million voters and are due to close at 2000 (1800 GMT).
One million citizens living in the overseas territories or other countries cast their votes earlier.One million citizens living in the overseas territories or other countries cast their votes earlier.
The first round brought 85% of the electorate out to vote, the highest turnout for 40 years.The first round brought 85% of the electorate out to vote, the highest turnout for 40 years.
Coherence and kindness 'A punishment'
Speaking after casting his ballot on Sunday, one French voter, Mr Paillereau, told the BBC that he had backed Nicolas Sarkozy. When Mr Sarkozy went to cast his ballot in his Paris constituency, Neuilly-Sur-Seine, he was greeted by supporters who applauded him and chanted "Sarko president".
Sarkozy and Royal had an acrimonious exchange on FridaySarkozy and Royal had an acrimonious exchange on Friday
"I decided over a year ago that I would," he said. Ms Royal cast hers in Melle, in her constituency in western France.
"I'm not one of the undecided. I've known for a long time who I'd vote for. At a polling station near the Champs-Elysees in Paris, unemployed voter Anne Combemale said she had chosen Mr Sarkozy because of his market-oriented economic platform.
"There was no problem, because for me he is the only candidate that has presented a real, coherent programme." "He has the willpower to change France," the 43-year-old said.
Claudine Olivier said she had voted for Segolene Royal even though she knew there was little chance of her winning. In Argenteuil, the town north-west of Paris where Mr Sarkozy notoriously talked of hosing out "rabble" before the 2005 urban riots, Doratine Ekoka, a 70-year-old retired computer programmer, said she trusted Ms Royal to "clean up public life".
"I know that now we will go through a few difficult years, well, maybe it will allow the left to rebuild, because for the moment they are a little bit of a mess," she said. A Sarkozy victory, she added, "would be like a punishment from God" because of his "terrible character".
"But for me she still represents kindness despite everything."
Extra policeExtra police
Voters have a clear choice between Mr Sarkozy, 52, a conservative who advocates liberal economic reforms and a tough line on immigration and law and order, and Socialist Segolene Royal, the BBC's Oana Lungescu reports from Paris.Voters have a clear choice between Mr Sarkozy, 52, a conservative who advocates liberal economic reforms and a tough line on immigration and law and order, and Socialist Segolene Royal, the BBC's Oana Lungescu reports from Paris.
HAVE YOUR SAY None of the candidates are particularly appealing Guillaume, Brussels Send us your comments Royal v Sarkozy: Policies HAVE YOUR SAY None of the candidates are particularly appealing Guillaume, Brussels Send us your comments href="/1/hi/in_pictures/6629789.stm">In pictures: France votes class="" href="/1/hi/world/europe/6357899.stm">Royal v Sarkozy: Policies
At 53, Ms Royal is the first woman to come so close to the French presidency, with promises to raise the minimum wage and create subsidised jobs for young people.At 53, Ms Royal is the first woman to come so close to the French presidency, with promises to raise the minimum wage and create subsidised jobs for young people.
"An election marked by the desire for change", one weekend paper headlined while another warned of "high security"."An election marked by the desire for change", one weekend paper headlined while another warned of "high security".
More than 3,000 police have been deployed in Paris and its multi-ethnic suburbs to prevent a repeat of the 2005 riots if, as many expect, Nicolas Sarkozy celebrates a victory on Sunday night.More than 3,000 police have been deployed in Paris and its multi-ethnic suburbs to prevent a repeat of the 2005 riots if, as many expect, Nicolas Sarkozy celebrates a victory on Sunday night.
On the eve of polling, Segolene Royal claimed her rival's election would trigger violence across the country, but officials say they have no special indication of that.On the eve of polling, Segolene Royal claimed her rival's election would trigger violence across the country, but officials say they have no special indication of that.
What they do expect is that many people will take part, as they did in the first round two weeks ago, in a poll that is expected to change the face of France, says our correspondent.What they do expect is that many people will take part, as they did in the first round two weeks ago, in a poll that is expected to change the face of France, says our correspondent.
Change is required if the world's fifth biggest economy is to regain its self-confidence, our correspondent says.Change is required if the world's fifth biggest economy is to regain its self-confidence, our correspondent says.
How fast the French are prepared to go will become clear at the end of the day, she adds.How fast the French are prepared to go will become clear at the end of the day, she adds.