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France holds parliamentary vote France holds parliamentary vote
(about 6 hours later)
France voters are returning to the polls in parliamentary elections, only a month after Nicholas Sarkozy was elected president.France voters are returning to the polls in parliamentary elections, only a month after Nicholas Sarkozy was elected president.
His UMP party looks likely to increase its majority in the lower house of parliament, the national assembly.His UMP party looks likely to increase its majority in the lower house of parliament, the national assembly.
The Socialists, whose candidate Segolene Royal was beaten by Mr Sarkozy for the presidency, are expected to lose parliamentary seats.The Socialists, whose candidate Segolene Royal was beaten by Mr Sarkozy for the presidency, are expected to lose parliamentary seats.
A second round of voting will be held in a week's time.A second round of voting will be held in a week's time.
Voting began on Saturday in France's overseas territories, and for expatriates living in the Americas.Voting began on Saturday in France's overseas territories, and for expatriates living in the Americas.
In mainland France, voting begins at 0800 (0600 GMT) on Sunday, and polls close at 2000 (1800 GMT).In mainland France, voting begins at 0800 (0600 GMT) on Sunday, and polls close at 2000 (1800 GMT).
Although popular in some areas, Royal looks set for more poll misery Blue wave
If candidates do not win more than 50% of the vote, with at least a 25% turnout, the constituency must vote again on 10 June.If candidates do not win more than 50% of the vote, with at least a 25% turnout, the constituency must vote again on 10 June.
President Sarkozy has said he will hold a special session of parliament in July to initiate his first set of political reforms, which include tougher immigration rules and more freedom for universities. Although popular in some areas, Royal looks set for more poll miseryFrance has not returned the same parliamentary majority to power since 1978 - but this time the pattern looks set to change, the BBC's Emma Jane Kirby in Paris says.
The "blue wave" being predicted for France should mean the president will have strong backing with which to implement his ambitious programme of economic reforms, our correspondent adds.
Mr Sarkozy has said he will hold a special session of parliament in July to initiate his first set of political reforms, which include tougher immigration rules and more freedom for universities.
A new finance bill will mean that overtime earnings are no longer taxed, inheritance tax is abolished for most people and overall individual taxation is capped at 50%.A new finance bill will mean that overtime earnings are no longer taxed, inheritance tax is abolished for most people and overall individual taxation is capped at 50%.
The Socialists are expected to lose ground, and party leader Francois Hollande says he will resign - possibly to be replaced by Ms Royal, his partner who has four children with him.The Socialists are expected to lose ground, and party leader Francois Hollande says he will resign - possibly to be replaced by Ms Royal, his partner who has four children with him.
Smaller parties on the left and the right are expected to do badly, as the key battleground shifts to the two main parties.Smaller parties on the left and the right are expected to do badly, as the key battleground shifts to the two main parties.