In France, voting for the first round of parliamentary elections is underway.

According to media reports, re-elected President Emmanuel Macron looks to win a majority, but faces stiff competition from an alliance of left-wing parties the Socialists, Greens, Communists and France Unbowed party.

Nearly 49 million citizens are eligible to vote in the elections for the 577-seat lower house, the National Assembly.

Some 289 seats are needed for an absolute majority.