Presidential election campaign concludes in France

Tomorrow’s presidential runoff vote could see Nicolas Sarkozy fall from office as campaigning officially comes to an end in France.

While left-wing leader Jean-Luc Melenchon rallied against the current office in Paris, socialist Francois Hollande and Sarkozy rallied in low-key gatherings in other parts of the country.

Melenchon supporters chanted for Sarkozy to “get lost” and Melenchon criticised Sarkozy’s pledges to halve immigration if re-elected.

The left-wing leader announced his support for Hollande after being eliminated from the presidential race during the first round in April with 11% of the votes placing him in fourth place.

Recent polls placed the socialist candidate in the forefront for the final round after earning 29% of the votes over Sarkozy’s 27%.

Making reference to Marine Le Pen, the right-wing candidate who came in third place in the first round, Melenchon said that voting for Hollande will eliminate both Le Pen and Sarkozy in the final round.

Spokesperson for Melenchon’s Left Party, Raquel Garrido, said that they could not take it for granted that Hollande will win and more people still need to be convinced.

Garrido added that the hoped result could not be expected by relying solely on votes from Melenchon’s and Hollande’s supporters.

Sarkozy, on the other hand, lashed out at his critics in his attempt to boost his vote numbers by trying to convince the French people of Sables d’Olonne that they have been injured, hounded and manipulated with insults, intolerance and lack of respect.

While a number of voters appear to be clear on their choice for leader, some voters still remain undecided, particularly those who had previously voted for a now-eliminated candidate.