French voters are choosing their next president after an unpredictable campaign that has divided the country.

The second round contest pits centrist Emmanuel Macron, a 39-year-old former investment banker, against the far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen, 48.

Voter turnout was 28.2% by 12:00 local time (10:00 GMT), lower than that of previous presidential elections, reports the BBC.

The vote is being closely watched across Europe, as the results could affect the future of the EU.

The polls opened in metropolitan France at 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT) on Sunday and close at 19:00 (17:00 GMT).

Polling stations will remain open in some big cities until 20:00 local time (18:00 GMT), with early estimates of the result due to be reported immediately after they close.
Over 50,000 police officers have been deployed to maintain security.

Both candidates have been in the north of France on Sunday, with Macron voting near his home in the sea-side resort of Le Touquet, and Le Pen in the working-class town of Henin-Beaumont, a National Front stronghold.

This election marks a new phase in French politics with for the first time neither of the main parties - the socialists and the republicans - having a candidate in the run-off.

The two candidates have offered voters starkly different visions of France.

Polls suggest Macron will win the vote, but analysts have said high abstention rates could damage his chances.

BDST: 1810 HRS, MAY 7, 2017
AP