Polls have opened in France's presidential election. 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).
French presidents are now elected for five years.
source: commonspace.eu with BBC
photo: Table of latest opinion polls (picture courtesy of Reuters)
