Polls open in French parliamentary election

PARIS, June 10 (Reuters) Voting began in the first round of France's legislative election today with President Nicolas Sarkozy's conservative UMP party expected to strengthen its hold on power.

Sarkozy was elected last month on a platform of reforms and needs to retain comfortable control of parliament after the second round of voting on June 17 to push the changes through. Opinion polls show he is likely to make gains.

The latest BVA survey said the UMP camp is likely to win at least 366-419 deputies, a larger majority than the 359 seats they currently hold in the 577-seat National Assembly, against 120-173 for the Socialists, who have 149 seats.

About 1 million citizens in France's overseas territories and French residents in the Americas voted tday. Voting began in mainland France at 1130 hrs IST today.

Opinion polls giving an initial indication of the result are expected to be released straight after voting ends at 2330 hrs IST.

Candidates can win a seat in the first round if they get over half of the votes cast by at least a quarter of registered voters.

If no candidate meets these criteria a second round will be held on June 17.

There are around 44.5 million voters in France who are called on to elect a new National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, every five years, unless it is dissolved earlier.

REUTERS SG ND1224