12:37 PM
Jalal HB
Polls have opened in France's presidential election, taking place amid widespread concern over the eurozone crisis and high unemployment.
Centre-right incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy is seeking re-election, saying only he can preserve a "strong France". But he is facing a tough challenge from Socialist Francois Hollande, who has said it is "the left's turn to govern".
Centre-right incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy is seeking re-election, saying only he can preserve a "strong France". But he is facing a tough challenge from Socialist Francois Hollande, who has said it is "the left's turn to govern".
There are 10 candidates in all, and if none wins more than 50% of the votes there will be a run-off round on 6 May.
Polls in mainland France and Corsica are open until 18:00 (16:00 GMT), with voting stations in big cities remaining open for a further two hours.
The first official results will be released after the last stations close at 20:00 (18:00 GMT).
Read details: BBC News
