France began voting Sunday under heavy security in the first round of the most unpredictable presidential election in decades, with the outcome seen as vital for the future of the beleaguered European Union.

While the presidential election in continental France is slated for April 23, the run-off is expected to take place on May 7. Four most prominent candidates are far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen, head of left-wing political movement La France Insoumise (Unsubmissive France) Jean-Luc Melenchon, The Republicans’ party nominee Francois Fillon and independent candidate Emmanuel Macron.

Benoit Hamon, the candidate from the ruling Socialist Party, alongside six other presidential hopefuls, are not expected to make it through the first round of election due to the low level of support among the French people.

Polling stations opened at 0600 GMT and the last will close at 1800 GMT with estimated results expected shortly afterwards.

The polling stations opened on Saturday in the French overseas collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, located off eastern Canadian shores, a day earlier than in France itself.

Source: Agencies