it s crunch time in france, as the centrist emmanuel macron and far right candidate marine le pen go head to head in the battle to become the nation s next president. polling stations in rural areas have just closed, those in major cities, including the capital paris, stay open for an additional hour. first indications are that turnout is slightly lower than in the 2017 presidential election. a few hours ago, turnout was put atjust over 63%, down two points on 2017. if emmanuel macron wins, he ll be the first french president to be re elected to the elysee in two decades. for marine le pen, this is her third attempt at winning the presidency and if she fails, it could potentially be her last. this report from our paris correspondent, lucy williamson. the candidates say this election is about democracy, even civilisation. many voters say they are being offered a choice between cholera and the plague. marine le pen s promise to slash immigration and taxes and ban the muslim hea
This is bbc news, i m reeta chakrabarti live in paris with a special programme on the french presidential election. emmanuel macron is hoping for a second five year term in the elysee palace promising to push on with the reforms which have sometimes proved unpopular. hi, sometimes proved unpopular. i mjessica parker, 6 macron s hi, i mjessica parker, and emmanuel macron s election night location at the foot of the eiffel tower where he hopes to be the first in years to win a second office. the challenger marine le pen is hoping her right wing brand of eu scepticism and anti immigration policies will change the course of french politics. i m nick beake at the le pen headquarters