French elections 2012 (74 images)

France's new president Francois Hollande gestures to a crowd of supporters gathered at the Bastille Plaza in Paris, France, on May 7, 2012 after he was elected to the country's top position against his rival incumbent president Nicolas Sarkozy. UPI/Eco Clement

French incumbent President Nicolas Sarkozy shakes hands with supporters after casting his ballot for the second and last round of presidential election in Paris, France on May 6, 2012. UPI/Witt-Villard/Pool

Voters walk past campaign posters on the day of the final round of presidential elections in Ivry-la-Bataille, France on May 6, 2012. According to pre-election polls, Socialist Party candidate Francois Hollande is favored to defeat incumbent President Nicolas Sarkozy. UPI/David Silpa

A French voting card is seen during the final round of presidential elections in Ivry-la-Bataille, France on May 6, 2012. According to pre-election polls, Socialist Party candidate Francois Hollande is favored to defeat incumbent President Nicolas Sarkozy. UPI/David Silpa