Hollande Claims Victory, Setting Up Runoff With Sarkozy For French Presidency -- CNN
Paris (CNN) -- Socialist candidate Francois Hollande declared victory Sunday in the first round of France's presidential election, setting up a showdown with incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy in May.
The proclamation, made to a crowd of supporters, is consistent with exit polls detailed on French television. Results from France's interior ministry show the same placement, albeit in a very tight contest.
With about 75% of votes counted late Sunday, Hollande had 27.9% support, followed by Sarkozy at 26.7%. Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen garnered 19.3% of this early vote, Jean-Luc Melenchon on the extreme left had 10.8% and centrist Francois Bayrou had 9.8%.
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More News On France's Presidential Election
Hollande-Sarkozy: French presidential election headed to runoff -- the Envoy
France election: Francois Hollande 'wins first round' -- BBC
Hollande, Sarkozy heading to French vote runoff -- AP
Meet Francois Hollande, France’s presidential race leader -- Globe and Mail/Reuters
Hollande and Sarkozy in Elysee duel -- Press Association
Analysts' view: Hollande tops Sarkozy in French vote -- Reuters
Summary Box: Hollande victory in French election could rattle investors, weigh on US stocks -- Washington Post/AP
French presidential election: 'A beginning not an end' -- Gavin Hewitt, BBC