Presidential Poll: Cheers, Relief at Macron HQ

Huge cheers erupted at the election night HQ of Emmanuel Macron.

French and EU flags waved wildly amongst supporters in this vast conference hall. Their man has made it through, as expected.

Nerves had been jangling tonight with fears the first-round vote could prove wafer-thin close. Supporters tell us they’re pleased with the lead he’s managed but also that the incumbent will now need to be more present on the campaign trail.

There’s work to do but overall tonight, a sense of relief.

1. Exit polls suggest Emmanuel Macron will face a run-off against Marine Le Pen in the second round of France’s presidential election
2. Macron comes first with 28.1% of the vote while Le Pen receives 23.3%, according to national broadcaster France Télévisions
3. Left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon comes in third place with about 20% of the votes
4. Macron is vying to become the first French president to be re-elected in 20 years but faces a strong challenge from Le Pen
5. Turnout has been down compared to the last presidential election in 2017

BBC