Trying to figure out where candidates' convictions lie

Paris: At a weekend brunch at a Parisian suburb, some friends gather after casting their vote to start speculating on Round Two and the future of their country.

"The problem now is that while you have the traditional left and right sides, the candidates are not that traditional. There is no clear definition and Segolene is viewed as not socialist enough," said Veronique Mendez, who still voted for Royal.

Before the election, the socialists and some other opposition parties had also been voicing concerns about the introduction of electronic voting machines, which would have been used by 1.5 million voters.

"I don't think we trust computers for such a big election. After the 2000 US election, we in France cannot afford to elect someone that is wrong for us and the world," said Thomas, who preferred to go by one name and added that he "did not vote for Sarkozy".

Second round won't be easy on Sarkozy

The fashionable Le Fumoir restaurant and bar next to the Louvre is just one of many venues that is, and will probably continue to be a venue for much discussion about the French presidential elections. Hours before the country went to vote, the intensity of debate rapidly rose with "Sarko," "Sego", "Bayrou" and at times, "Le Pen" being dropped across the tables. What is certain, according to analysts and a number of voters, is that the second round will be a tough fight and not an easy ride for right-wing candidate Nicolas Sarkozy, who topped most polls for the first round.

Change is high on everyone's mind

According to most reports and voter accounts, it is apparent that it has been a long time since the French have willed change. As a result there seems to be a near-absence of voter apathy and those that are not able to exercise their right - for whatever reason - are visibly upset. "We will be watching the results on TV. One thing is certain, we want things to change. And we will do everything in our power to make it change," said Guy and Dominique Laporte, moments before stepping in to cast their vote.

Of allegiances and personal preferences

Alain Ellis, 21, who is one of the million newly registered voters, said at the time of voting that he still had no idea whom he would support. "Everyone says Sarkozy will make it. But I don't want him as president of France, so I think I will vote for either Sego or Francois Bayrou, depending on whom I'm confident can defeat Sarko," he said.