Macron faces far-right challenge as France votes

French President Emmanuel Macron yesterday faced a tough test seeking re-election in a vote projected to produce a tight run-off with far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Polls opened in mainland France at 0600 GMT after an unusual campaign overshadowed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine that analysts warned could lead to unpredictable outcomes with turnout a major factor. Early indications showed that turnout was around three percentage points lower than at the same stage in 2017, although above 2002 when record numbers of French stayed away. Polls predict that Macron will lead Le Pen by a handful of percentage points in round one, with the top two going through to a second-round vote on April 24. Far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon is snapping at their heels in third place and still fancies his chances of reaching the second round at the expense of Le Pen or even -- in what would be an extraordinary upset -- President Macron himself. Macron cast his ballot in Le Touquet on the northern French coast, accompanied by his wife Brigitte, around lunchtime.