English
Paris, April 23: Independent centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron took the early lead in the round 1 of French presidential elections 2017. As per the early trends, Macron is leading by 23.7 per cent of the votes, whereas, his far-right rival, Marine Le Pen, of the National Front, is trailing at the second spot with 21.7 per cent of the votes. Both the presidential candidates are expected to clear the first round of polls.
Among other major candidates in the fray were former Prime Minister Francois Fillon, leftwing leader Jean-Luc Melenchon and Socialist Party rebel Benoit Hamon. According to reports, the early trends indicate that Le Pen and Macron would go to the second round, whereas, the presidential campaign of other leaders would come to a halt today.
As per the pre-poll surveys, Macron is poised to defeat Le Pen, if it comes down to a one-on-one electoral battle in the second round of presidential elections, which is scheduled on May 7. The independent centrist is gaining momentum as compared to the Le Pen, whose ultra-conservative stand is restricted and repulsive towards a section of electorate.
Francois Fillon conceded his defeat after it became clear that he is out of the presidential race. As per the trends, he is trailing as a distant third, with nearly 15 per cent of votes. While addressing the press, Fillion claimed that “he has failed to sent across his message of unity to people of France”, further adding that his campaign has been trumped by the right-wing populism which is gaining supporters in France.
Appealing the electorate to not to endorse Le Pen in the final round of elections, Fillon added, “Seeds of far-rightism would further divide our country and bring unhappiness to France. I will vote for Emmanuel Macron. I consider it my duty to tell you this frankly.”
The success of Le Pen, although finishing at the second spot, would come as a major victory for the National Front, which would be contesting in the second round of French presidential election for the first time. The party, propagating the agenda of sovereignty and patriotism, has been considered as the fringe player in French polity. National Front’s fortunes turned bright after its firebrand chief Le Pen used the anti-immigration sentiment to boost the party’s reach among the electorate.
Among some of the major promises of Le Pen, include a “Trump-style ban” on immigration from Muslim-dominated countries. Le Pen has emerged as a strong opponent of radical Islam, calling it a threat to the French culture. Apart from immigration, she has also vowed to take concerted steps to break away from the European Union.
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