This is meant as an open thread to discuss French election results. Post any information you have in the thread, and I'll update the diary with the most relevant numbers throughout the evening/day.
The biggest piece of news so far is the record level for participation, officially at 73.87% at 5pm, 15% higher than in 2002 (poll close between 6pm and 8pm around the country). It could reach 87% altogether, possibly the highest ever recorded - and that with record numbers of people having registered on the voting lists- 44.5M, up 3.5M since the last election.
See Why the French election matters to all progressives for background and context.
See Laurent Guerby's earlier thread for information on how voting went throughout the day
Update [2007-4-22 14:4:35 by Jerome a Paris]: First official estimates in French media:
Sarkozy: 29-30%
Royal: 25-26%
Bayrou: 16-17%
Le Pen: 11%
Update [2007-4-22 12:41:58 by Jerome a Paris]: Very first estimate:
Sarkozy: 25-29%
Royal 25-26%
Bayrou 16-20%
Le Pen 13-18%
Update [2007-4-22 12:47:12 by Jerome a Paris]: Various estimates all put Sarkozy and Royal well ahead (both in the 25-27% range)
Thus, there would seem to be uncertainy as to who is first (and as to who is third between Bayrou and Le Pen), but none that the runoff will be Royal-Sarkozy