French voters head to polls for parliamentary elections

Voting has begun in mainland France in the first round of its parliamentary election amid intensive security measures in anticipation of any terror attacks, Franch 24 reported. 

Surveys suggest the new party of President Emmanuel Macron is heading for a majority in the 577-member National Assembly.

Very few lawmakers are expected to be elected directly in Sunday's first round as they would need more than half of the votes cast. The run-off takes place next weekend.

French polling stations were due to close at 6:00 p.m. in many cities, but two hours later in Paris and other major centers. 

Voters in Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and other overseas French territories had on Saturday already cast their ballots in the first of two rounds of France's parliamentary election.

President Emmanuel Macron, who himself was elected on May 7, is seeking a clear majority in parliament to be able to pass laws and endorse his prime minister, Edouard Philippe.

Opinion polls indicate that Macron's centrist La Republique en Marche (The Republic on the Move, LREM) party could end up with between 360 and 427 seats in the 577-strong parliament.

There are a total of 7,882 candidates competing for the seats.

Source: MENA