(Top) Ballots for Nicolas Sarkozy, candidate of the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), from the polling station ballot box. (Bottom) Ballots for Ségolène Royal, Socialist Party candidate, from the polling station ballot box. The most intense presidential campaign in France in recent years is drawing to a close; political debates and rally activities officially ended at midnight yesterday. In the final campaign stop or debate, the two candidates differed: Nicolas Sarkozy of the UMP performed a symbolic act by climbing to a small town in the French Alps to lay flowers for victims of World War II and campaign there. Meanwhile, Socialist candidate Ségolène Royal visited Brittany on the eastern peninsula, receiving enthusiastic cheers and attending a rally, bringing an end to six months of tireless campaigning and fierce debates. A bright and dazzling contest will elect the next president tomorrow through voting. Polls following the televised public debates show Sarkozy’s support rising significantly, greatly increasing his chances of winning. Major media commentary and predictions already favor this decisive outcome.

French political analysis agencies note, “Looking at the gap between the two, it is unlikely that the election results will be surprising.” Left-leaning individuals and supporters of the Socialist candidate have not lost hope or confidence; everyone still believes in the slim chance for Ségolène Royal. Since no one can verify poll results before voting, neither candidate dares to take things lightly. Of course, the French do not wait for miracles. The left and right offer different visions for the nation’s future and social systems, each with its own methods and countermeasures (see candidates’ policy platforms). Neither represents an ideal state, and both have pros and cons. Naturally, revitalizing France’s current economy and employment situation is the top priority. However, the ideal policies proposed during these elections are not blank checks; they require greater courage and determination to realize.

In the second round of the French presidential election, overseas voters began casting ballots today due to time zone differences. Who will be tomorrow’s president? We shall wait and see, as the result will be revealed at 8 PM tonight.