French election: Macron in pole position but Le Pen is racing hard

France’s April 10 first-round vote eliminated 10 other presidential candidates, and who becomes the country’s next leader — Mr Macron or Ms Le Pen — will largely depend on what supporters of those losing candidates do on Sunday

A torn front page ad shows incumbent President Emmanuel Macron and challenger Marine Le Pen (Francois Mori/AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron is in the pole position to win re-election on Sunday in the country’s presidential run-off, yet his lead over far-right rival Marine Le Pen depends on one major uncertainty: voters who could decide to stay home.

A Mr Macron victory in this vote — which could have far-reaching repercussions for Europe’s future direction and western efforts to stop the war in Ukraine — would make him the first French president in 20 years to win a second term.