Today marks the first round of France’s presidential elections.

Out of 12 candidates, Macron and Le Pen emerged as the front-runners, heading to the 2nd round of votes.

The presidential election has been characterized by demagoguery and the lack of a political agenda.

Forty-nine million people were eligible to decide which two of 12 candidates should take part in the run-off vote.

The incumbent president Macron is seeking a second term.

Macron has spent little time on the race, focusing instead on Europe’s reaction to the war in Ukraine. If re-elected, he would become the first president in 20 years to win a second term since Jacques Chirac.

His rival, far-right leader Marine Le Pen, has been praised by many for leading a vigorous campaign and refashioning herself into a “moderate” politician.

She has gained on Macron in the last few days.

In stark contrast to Macron, Le Pen has launched a campaign trail that primarily focused on domestic issues,particularly on purchasing power, which voters said was their primary concern.

According to the latest election projections, Macron received 27.6 % of votes, Le Pen 23.4 %

and left-wing candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon 22 %.

Macron and Le Pen will face off in the second round of elections on April 24.