France is voting in a parliamentary election that could be historic, with the far right closer to power than ever in modern times. The National Rally (RN) of Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella is leading in the polls, just three weeks after their victory in the European elections. President Emmanuel Macron responded swiftly by calling a national vote, surprising the country.

A high turnout is expected among the 49 million voters for this pivotal election. Polls close in the big cities at 20:00 (18:00 GMT), when the first exit polls will be released. This is a two-round election, and most of the National Assembly’s 577 seats will be decided in the second-round run-off vote next Sunday.

The campaign lasted only 20 days, benefiting the National Rally (RN) as they quickly honed their promises on immigration, crime, insecurity, and tax cuts to address the cost-of-living crisis. Jordan Bardella aims to become RN’s first prime minister, with the party confident of winning dozens of constituencies outright in the first round. However, Bardella has stated he will only take the job if the party secures an absolute parliamentary majority of 289 seats. Without this majority, France could face a hung parliament and political deadlock. Once the first results are in on Sunday evening, RN’s opponents will need to decide whom to support in run-off battles across France to prevent an RN absolute majority.