French voters cast ballots across France on Sunday in the first round of a presidential election. Interior ministry figures estimated turnout at 65 percent at 15:00 GMT(17:00 local time), down four points from corresponding figures for the first round in 2017. 

The two candidates who garner the most votes will qualify for the election's second and final round scheduled for April 24. 

Purchasing power and the Ukraine crisis have topped voter concerns in the final stretch of an unusually subdued campaign. Some 48.7 million people are registered to vote, though surveys have warned that as many as one in four may abstain from voting. 

First exit polls are expected at 18:00 GMT (20:00 local time) when the last polling stations close in Paris and other cities.

(With input from agencies)