Ministry reveals turnout in run-off round of France's regional election

The turnout of voters casting their ballots for new councilors stands at 41.94 percent by 5 p.m. local time (1500 GMT) on Sunday, 1 percentage point lower than that of the first round, French interior ministry said on Sunday.
Midday participation was at 15.63 percent, lower than 18.02 percent recorded at the same hour in the first round on March 22.
France saw a high abstention rate of 49.71 percent for the regional elections in the first round on March 22 as French voters show less interest in regional polls.
Many polling stations will be closed at 6 p.m., while in most big cities, the closure of the polling stations will be extended to 7 p.m..
The primary result of the election is expected in the evening.