The (relatively) good news: Exit polls suggest that Chirac has won by a landslide, scooping approximately 80% of the vote.

The bad news: This suggests le Pen got about 20, although real results will have to wait.

The amusing bit: le Pen has his excuse all ready.

As he voted, Mr Le Pen alleged that there had been a dirty tricks campaign against him, and said he wished he had called in international monitors to prevent vote-rigging.

"If I get less than 30% (of the vote) it would be a huge disappointment," he said.

Prat.