Voters turn out in French presidential runoff

Voter turnout for the French presidential runoff is set to surpass the level of both the first round on April 21 - when a record 28% of voters abstained - and in the 1995 election.

Many voters claim they are eager to stop National Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen from winning the poll.

Some leftists, who sought to shut Mr Le Pen out of power, were so disgruntled about having to vote for the conservative Jacques Chirac they put clothes pegs on their noses and wore gloves to handle the ballot paper.

France's Constitutional Council warned that anyone casting ballots with gloves - or other improper behaviour - could risk the annulment of their votes.

The Interior Ministry said by lunchtime, the rate of voter participation was 26.1%, compared to 21.4% during the first round.

In the last presidential vote, turnout in the second round was only 22.5% at midday.

Polls and political observers indicated a Jacques Chirac win was virtually certain, while newspapers of varying political stripes urged readers to back the incumbent against Mr Le Pen.

Mr Chirac voted in the central Correze region, where he owns a chateau.

Mr Le Pen voted in the southwest Paris suburb of Saint-Cloud - home to his National Front party.

In brief comments to reporters, the Mr Le Pen said he was not worried about the outcome, adding: "I'm expecting whatever they (the voters) give me."