First round of elections in France UPDATED

Whilst the two 'front-runners' are talking about increasing economic growth, as if that is something that has ever been or will be within the control of Government, some candidates are addressing the key issue affecting the modern world.

Namely that by following the rules of subsidiarity and returning power to the lowest competent authority which is the individual wherever possible the greatest gains are to be made and the struggle against those who would seek to consolidate power in the hands of the few.

The exit polls:

• François Hollande 28.4% (PS)
• Nicolas Sarkozy 25.5% (UMP)
• Marine le Pen 20% (FN)
• Jean-Luc Mélenchon 11.7% (Left Front)
• François Bayrou 8.5% (MoDem)
• Eva Joly 2% (Green)
• Nicolas Dupont-Aignan 1.8% (Arise the Republic)
• Philippe Poutou 1.2% (New Anti-Capitalist)
• Nathalie Arthaud 0.8% (Workers Struggle)
• Jacques Cheminade 0.2% (Solidarity and Progress)

A second round between the two leading candidates will now proceed on the 6th May. The results will be certified on the 13th May, where it seems likely that Sarkozy will be returned for a second term.