PARIS - France's right-wing presidential hopefuls kick off their nominating contest Sunday as a sudden tightening of the race cast doubt on ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy's chances of regaining the Elysee Palace. The outcome is crucial because with the French left divided, the nominee who emerges from a November 27 runoff is tipped to go on to take the presidency in May after besting FN leader Marine Le Pen. Juppe's strategy of playing the moderate against the fiery Sarkozy and the reform-minded Fillon appears to be backfiring. The nomination of the right-wing candidate on November 27 is expected to trigger Hollande's announcement on whether he intends to bid for re-election. Polls will be open from 0700 GMT to 1800 GMT in mainland France, with the first indicative results expected around 2130 GMT.

Source: Bangkok Post November 20, 2016 06:47 UTC