France Elections: Emmanuel Macron projected to win presidential election

Picture Courtesy: CNN

Pollsters have projected that Emmanuel Macron will will the France’s Presidential election fending off a historic challenge from right-wing candidate Marine Le Pen during Sunday’s runoff vote.

It is projected that Macron will win 58.8% of the vote share, according to an analysis of voting data by pollsters Ipsos & Sopra Steria conducted for broadcasters France Televisions and Radio. This makes him the first leader in France to be re-elected in 20 years.

Emmanuel Macron's supporters, gathered on Champs de Mars in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower in central Paris, broke out in massive cheers when the news was announced.

During his victory speech Macron said that he will be the “president for each and every one of you.” Le Pen delivered a concession speech and said, “A great wind of freedom could have blown over our country, but the ballot box decided otherwise.”

Macron and Le Pen advanced to the runoff after finishing in first and second place, respectively, among 12 candidates who ran in the first round on April 10.