Presidential election: France to decide fate of 11 candidates on Sunday

There are 11 candidates running, of which four make up the list of frontrunners they are: Hard-leftist, Jean-Luc Melenchon, far-right leader Marine Le Pen, conservative candidate Francois Fillon and independent centrist Emmanuel Macron. The first round of France election is schedule to take place tomorrow on Sunday, April 23, 2017.

France use the two-round voting system. A leader can be elected this Sunday if they win an outright majority but the polls suggest that this is unlikely.

Polling stations are due to close between 7 pm Paris time (8 pm for the big cities) on Sunday. Preliminary results are expected around 9 pm Paris time.

For the first time in 15 years, the far right leader Marine Le Pen has realistic chances of getting into power. This is also the first time in modern France when the incumbent president hasn't run for a second term.

For Jean-Luc Melenchon, it could be more challenging given there is low support in the lower and upper house.

The candidates' proposals show that whatever the outcome this election will not only shape the future of France, but also of the European Union.

A supporter of French centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron glues a campaign poster in Bayonne, southwestern France. The two-round presidential election is set for April 23 and May 7.

Francois Fillon, right, former French Prime Minister, member of the Republicans political party, is greeted by supporters as he arrives to attend a campaign rally in Lille, France.