France, Feb. 8 -- he election campaign has been disrupted by the storms, which have killed at least seven people, and at least 14 of the worst affected constituencies have postponed voting for nearly 32,000 people by one week.

Polling stations opened at 8:00 am, with 11 million voters at home and abroad eligible to cast their ballots. First exit polls are expected around 8:00 pm.

Socialist candidate Antonio Jose Seguro is almost certain to beat outspoken far-right leader Andre Ventura but the far-right score will nevertheless be watched closely.

Ventura's Chega (Enough) party was only created in 2019 but is now the largest opposition force in parliament.

The storms and fierce gales that swept in from the Atlantic have killed at least ...