French Socialists face presidential primary run-off

After Sunday's first round, former party leader Francois Hollande received 39%, and rival Martine Aubry 31%.

The failure of either candidate to achieve 50% of the vote means that the decision will go to a second round.

Opinion polls suggest whoever becomes candidate of the Socialist Party will beat President Nicolas Sarkozy. The incumbent president is widely expected to run for re-election in April.

Hollande became the new favourite after the withdrawal of previous front-runner Dominique Strauss-Kahn, a former head of the IMF who was arrested in New York earlier this year on suspicion of attempted rape, a charge later dropped.

During Sunday's vote, for the first time, any eligible voter sharing leftist values was allowed to take part, and polling stations were open across the country.

Analysts say that although Mr Hollande, a moderate socialist, is leading in the race, Ms Aubry - who is the current party leader and appeals to traditional left-wing values - did better than expected in the first round.

The third place was achieved by Arnaud Montebourg, who obtained a surprise 17% of votes, after campaigning on a platform of protectionism to stave off the effects of globalisation. He did not say who he would be backing in the run-off vote.

Former presidential candidate Segolene Royal - the former partner of Mr Hollande - slumped to fourth place.