Polls open in French Parliamentary election

PARIS, TGO: Voting got underway in mainland France on Sunday in the first round of parliamentary elections, with record numbers of voters seen abstaining.

Starting at 08:00 (06:00 GMT), the approximately 48.7 million registered voters were able to cast their ballots for the 577 seats in the National Assembly, with the shape of the new parliament becoming clear only after the second round on 19th June.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s party is seeking an absolute majority that would enable him to implement his campaign promises, especially with regard to purchasing power and pension systems.