Marine Le Pen, French National Front (FN) political party leader and candidate for French 2017 presidential election, celebrates after early results in the first round of 2017 French presidential election, in Henin-Beaumont, France, April 23, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Le Pen's success emulates her father's in 2002. In the 2002 second round Jacques Chirac won 82.2 percent to Jean Marie Le Pen's 17.8 percent.

Opinion polls on Friday suggested that of the 11 candidates, Macron was in the lead followed by Le Pen, Fillon and Melenchon, with the others far off. But with 25 percent of voters undecided, the top four had everything to play for. News agency AFP estimated that Melenchon came third with 19.5-20 per cent, Fillon next with 19.5-20.3 per cent and the Socialist Party's Benoit Hamon with 6.1-7 percent.

Macron set up his own party En Marche to support his candidacy, Le Pen represents the Front National party set up by her father, Fillon represents the Republicans and Melenchon is supported by the Communist Party.

Only Macron has not prioritized better relations with Russia as part of foreign policy,

The result feared by most in France and Europe was Le Pen and Melenchon coming first and second. Both are anti-EU, the euro and free trade.

Fillon was mortally wounded by allegations he employed family members at the public expense in non-existent jobs, but he quickly rallied as many voters did not see him as any more corrupt than a typical politician.

At 5pm, the Ministry of Interior said that 69.42 percent had voted by that time, compared to 70.59 per cent in 2012.

The election took place under high security after Karim Cheurfi shot a policeman in Paris before being shot himself on April 22. ISIS later said that Cheurfi acted on their behalf.

conal@chinadailyuk.com