France will hold a vote on Sunday to decide whether to give centrist Emmanuel Macron an additional five-year term or replace him with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen.
After thecampaign controversy, Mr. Le Pen faces an uphill battle with his 44-year-old rival, who is about to vote.
To win, both must attract voters who supported the other candidate in the first round.
However, these are two polarized figures in France and celibacy is key.
Detractors of Macron call him an arrogant and rich president, and the far-right leader has been accused of close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Macron came to power on a promise of sweeping change, but many complain that they haven't seen it yet. His presidency has been overwhelmed by protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the now soaring cost of living.
Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen learned from a mistake he made when he was trampled on by the same opponent in the second round of 2017. This is the third presidential run, and if it fails, it could be the last.
The biggest uncertainty in this election is how many voters will refuse to support this or that candidate, or whether they will vote with a blank ballot or not appear at all. Most of France is on vacation, and turnout may be historically low.
Although the
campaign was brief, the voters' choices were clear. You can choose between a pro-European incumbent and a nationalist candidate who wants to ban headscarves and limit immigration.
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