Sarkozy's party set for massive victory at polls

June 17, 2007

French President Nicolas Sarkozy looks set to win a sweeping mandate for his ambitious programme of reforms, as French voters head back to the polls to elect a new National Assembly, the lower chamber of parliament. The only unknown is how big the majority of Sarkozy's UMP party will be. Abstention rates could reach record levels -- a striking contrast to the presidential election in which 85 percent of the 44.5 million eligible voters participated. Polling stations close at 8 pm. An update on the election.