French voters are choosing the socialist candidate for this year’s presidential election in a run-off vote which pits former prime minister Manuel Valls against hard-left hopeful Benoit Hamon. <br /><br /> Around 7000 polling stations across France opened early on Sunday. The run-off follows last week’s seven-way primary.<br /><br /> A range of liberal measures, including a universal monthly income for all French citizens has seen Hamon’s popularity surge. <br /><br /> Kicked out of Valls government in 2014 due to differences over economic policy, he has been compared to British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. <br /><br /> Former premier Valls, who finished second behind Hamon in last Sunday’s primary, has sought to emphasise his time in government in an effort to garner support. <br /><br /> Neither finalist is thought to have much chance of winning the presidency this Spring, with the unpopular ruling socialist’s lagging well behind in national opinion polls. <br /><br /> A victory for Hamon, however, could impact other presidential candidates, notably popular independent Emamanuel Macron, who could pick up Valls voters.<br />
