The voice of the French people is about to be heard, as millions of voters prepare to cast their ballots for president.<br/> <br />Incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy and Socialist challenger Francois Hollande are nearly matched in opinion polls ahead of Sunday's first round.<br/> <br />Though the election only officially began a few short weeks ago, candidates have been on the campaign trail for months.<br/> <br />In one of his last appeals, President Sarkozy promises to halve immigration, reform welfare, and push for tougher European Union conditions on trade with emerging nations.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY SAYING:<br/> <br />"The minute we relax pressure on spending cuts, on deficit cuts and cuts in indebtedness, France will suffer the same fate as Spain."<br/> <br />Hollande says he'll take on big business in a show of solidarity with the French electorate.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (French) SOCIALIST PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FRANCOIS HOLLANDE SAYING:<br/> <br />"My real enemy doesn't have a name, or a face, or a party, he'll never run as president. And so he'll never be elected, although he does govern. My enemy is the world of finance."<br/> <br />Fourth ranking in the polls, far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon says that bringing Sarkozy down will set an example for other countries in Europe.<br/> <br />Megan Detrie, Reuters
