Voting began in the first round of France's legislative election today with President Nicolas Sarkozy's conservative UMP party expected to strengthen its hold on power.
Mr Sarkozy was elected last month on a platform of various labour, education and law-and-order reforms and he needs to retain comfortable control of parliament after the second round of voting on June 17th to push the changes through.
Opinion polls show Mr Sarkozy is likely to make gains.
"Many people seem less interested in the parliamentary elections because they think Sarkozy will win a large majority anyway," said Mikhael Perez (48) one of the first people to cast his vote at a polling station in central Paris.
"But I think it's important to vote," the surgeon said.
The latest BVA survey said the UMP camp is likely to win at least 366-419 deputies, a larger majority than the 359 seats they currently hold in the 577-seat National Assembly, against 120-173 for the Socialists, who have 149 seats.
Smaller groups like the Communists or Greens are expected to win just a handful of seats while the far-right National Front party is not expected to pick up any seats at all.
About 1 million citizens in France's overseas territories and French residents in the Americas voted yesterday. Voting began in mainland France at 8am local time today and first results are expected shortly after polls close at 8pm
In his first weeks in office, Mr Sarkozy has sought to build the image of an energetic president, promising to push through some new measures in a special summer session of parliament.
His popularity has surged since he beat Socialist Segolene Royal in the May 6th presidential election.
French media have talked about a "blue wave" of gains for the conservative party, washing away rivals.
It will be the third time French voters cast their ballots in less than 2 months. The Socialists have urged their supporters not to give way to election fatigue and disappointment and turn out in large numbers today to prevent an even larger majority for Mr Sarkozy.
The Socialists have not been helped by a round of infighting and finger-pointing after Ms Royal's defeat last month which has distracted them from the legislative campaign.
Ms Royal has indicated she would like to take over as head of the party, but she is controversial within her own party. And Socialist leader Francois Hollande, her partner and father of their four children, might hold on to the job until 2008.
Eleven of Mr Sarkozy's 15-member government are also up for election.