As President Emmanuel Macron and a left-wing alliance attempt to thwart the far-right, at least 200 candidates have withdrawn before France's runoff election. The opponents are expecting that by strategically withdrawing candidacy to consolidate vote before the runoff, Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party won't receive the majority of 289 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly.

French runoff elections: 200 candidates withdraw as Macron, left-wing alliance battle far-right

The centrist Macron topped Sunday's first round with 23.7% of votes, slightly ahead of the far-right Le Pen with 21.9%

French election: Macron, Le Pen to contest May 7 run-off

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French runoff elections: 200 candidates withdraw as Macron, left-wing alliance battle far-right

French election: Macron, Le Pen to contest May 7 run-off