Apathy greets first round of French election

France went going to the polls today in the first round of a presidential contest notable for its lacklustre campaigning and widespread voter apathy.

France went to the polls today in the first round of a presidential contest notable for its lacklustre campaigning and widespread voter apathy.

A record number of candidates and lack of interest from voters is threatening to damage the prospects of rivals Prime Minister Lionel Jospin and President Jacques Chirac.