French voters have been going to the polls to vote for the country’s next president, with Macron favourite after a fractious campaign
Polls open as Macron and Le Pen battle for presidency
The abstention rate could be critical in this election, as could the number of voters who spoil their ballots.
Turnout at midday was 26.41%, according to the interior ministry – higher than the 25.48% turnout for the first round, but lower than at midday in 2017 when it was 28.23%.