French voters to elect new president on Sunday

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

PARIS (AA) - Almost 50 million French voters will go to polling stations to elect their new president for the next five years on Sunday.

As the presidential candidates Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen have concluded their campaigns, the latest opinion polls a day before the second round of election showed Macron ahead with 57.5%.

Anadolu Agency spoke in Paris with various voters as the final vote loomed on Saturday.

Francois, a voter, said he would never vote for the far-right leader Le Pen.

“I am voting against the far-right in this election,” he told Anadolu Agency.

“I can say I am content with the serving president. He is the best of the worst.”

A young voter, Jean, said the presidential elections “do not represent the will of French people.”

“I will cast an empty vote,” she said.

“Maybe the function of the presidential election should be changed,” she added.

Antoine, a supporter of far-right leader Le Pen, said a “change might be good” for the country this time.

“I have known for a long time whom I would vote for,” he said.

“The election campaign was not easy for both candidates, the situation in Ukraine did not help the situation. The best candidate should win.”

However, he also revealed whom he will vote for, saying: “It is better if the president is a woman. I agree with her rhetoric.”

“We need a change,” he said.

“I am not saying Macron is very bad but a change could be good for France and the French people.”

The polling stations will open on Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600GMT).

The exit polls are expected to be released as soon as the voting is over at 8:00 p.m. local time (1800GMT).